The Minions are Back: Took Over McDonald's

The Minions are back and they have officially taken over McDonald’s!

Literally! After we attended the Sunday Mass, my little boy Ivan asked me if we can go to McDonald's at SMCalamba. And if possible, if he could buy a Happy Meal which I agreed.

Wow! I was so amazed because every customer on the line is ordering a Happy Meal not just 1 but sometimes 4 or 5 orders. Yeah! its because of these adorable little creatures, I think. Ivan was so grateful to me because he now have his very first Minion Happy Meal toy, on top of the fresh and crispy McDonalds fried chicken. 

A full Minions experience awaits, as Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, stars of the Minions Movie, bring us the Minions Banana Festival. Get ready to go bananas every time you enter a McDonald’s store with the new Minions Happy Meal toys —10 Minions collectibles now available in-store— and the Minions Combos featuring an array of Minions-themed desserts.

Pair a classic like McDonald’s World Famous Fries with the all-new Minions-themed desserts and you get the perfect snack combination for you and your friends. Try the new Honey Banana McFloat, a sweet and refreshing banana and honey flavored drink topped with vanilla soft serve, through the Minions Medium Fries ‘N McFloat Combo for only Php65.

In the mood for a McFlurry? Go for the Minions Medium Fries ‘N McFlurry Combo for only Php95. You have a choice between two new and exciting McFlurry flavors. Discover the Banana McFlurry with Oreo where a classic gets a banana-licious twist, as banana flavor is mixed with Oreo bits in vanilla soft serve. You can also have the Banana Crumble McFlurry, made with crushed graham and banana flavor blended in creamy vanilla soft serve.

Just like Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, great things come in threes and so do our Minions Combos. So grab your friends and enjoy the Minions BFF Fries ‘N McFloat Combo (Php165) or the Minions BFF Fries ‘N McFlurry Combo (Php225).

McDonald’s is also introducing the Minions Banana McDip, a delicious vanilla soft serve covered in banana-flavored dip on a blue wafer cone—one of the cutest dessert items you’ll ever see and taste for only Php15.

Head over to McDonald’s to see the Minions Movie come to life! Bring the entire family or barkada and find a Minions treat for everyone. Minions Happy Meal and limited-edition menu offers are all available in McDonald’s stores nationwide.

Share your love for the Minions at McDonald’s via the official Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/mcdo.ph, or by tagging @McDo_PH to your sweet and funny McDo moments on Twitter or Instagram. #MinionsAtMcDo

Revisiting Baguio City: Day 2

The main purpose of our Baguio trip was because my niece Patty will take her Fine Arts talent test at UP Baguio. She just passed UPCAT and she was destined for Baguio although her preference is to forego her UPCAT admission and pursue the Certificate in Fine Arts Program in UP Diliman. According to her, Diliman still is her top choice because here is where are the "true artsy artsy" peeps. But she did not indicate Diliman as a campus choice for better chances of admission (ha!ha! mind busting decisions). Anyway, while awaiting the result of her Diliman talent test, she needs to confirm with the UP Baguio schedule.

We also tagged along "Tatay", despite he has some difficulty walking lately he enjoys going out with us on family trip. My mother prefers to stay home and look after her sari-sari store. Actually, its true that not all of us the whole family members go out on a trip at one-time, just a myth or belief.

Ate Flor and my niece Patty headed to UP Baguio today while we took our time going around the usual tourists spots: Mansion, House, Wright Park, Botanical Garden and the Manor Hotel at Camp John Hay.

 Late afternoon, we visited my friend Queenie her delicious pork BBQ. The whole family like it so much and after the very first time we tasted it, its one of those we've been always looking forward everytime we visit her. And we were all caught up in our endless chats that we forgot to take photos. Never mind, at least we wouldn't know that there'll be differences in our looks years after years.

At night my siblings went to the night market. I was left at home to look after the kids and Tatay.

Yeah! one of the highlights of Baguio trip is endless shopping of delicacies and souvenir items.

Revisiting Baguio City: Day 1

Baguio City is popularly known as the summer capital of the Philippines because this is where locals and tourists alike flocked during hot summer months.

I've been to Baguio for the nth time. It was my usual destination escapade during summer and semestral breaks while studying in UP Los Banos. I have  a friend, in fact considered to be my best friend and "kumare" Queenie Laranang-Ayeras, who is from Baguio. So accomodation had never been a problem.

Today we're off to Baguio City for a family trip. The last time we we're here was seven years ago. It will be the little boys (Ivan - my son, and JM - my nephew) first Baguio trip so they are more than excited just like the rest of us. Its the wee hour of Sunday morning (Pacquiao-Mayweather fight), we left Calamba at 4am and believe it, we are at Balintawak exit at 5am. That's just 1 hour travel for the usual 3- 4 hour time on ordinary days. There is no traffic along South Expressway nor at EDSA. Probably most people are still at the comfort of their beds at home, still sleeping and energizing, and getting ready to watch the biggest boxing fight accordingly.

We reached Baguio at 9:30am. It was a very beautiful Sunday morning, something that brings back all the fond memories I had been here. Although, it was saddening that after several years gone is the city I've known and admired so much. The pace that literally let me experience the pine scent and sight of beautiful flowers and lush greenery. Baguio City now looks like a cramped neighborhood with residential houses and buildings occupying even the very top of the hills and the mountains. What I can see now was the rapid rise of commercialization as they say equates to development. There are many high-rise buildings, a big mall, souvenir shops that are scattered everywhere.

Ivan's first taste of strawberry taho!

We had lunch at a restaurant near Burnham Park (beware: I urge you not to dine at Ganza Restaurant) because the service is very poor. They served the food order so slow, saying their under-manned (ha!ha! blamed it on the huge flock of tourists in the city), and the food suck! We're so excited, we ordered "chopsuey" (to have that taste of real fresh veggies), but we have to return twice the food that was served and requested for exchange because the serving bowl and the veggies (cabbage in particular had a smell and taste and taste of "suds"). When I went to use the toilet, I passed-by their kitchen area and I think the culprit was there. Plates, bowls and utensils are not washed in running water but instead in a big basin, no wonder.

It began to rain and it pours hard the whole afternoon, with matching lightning and thunderstorms. Anyway, we all just tucked ourselves in bed, watched cable TV programs and enjoy the cool weather. Its mid-summer time and most hotels and lodging houses are fully-booked. Too good we're able to get a transient house just walking distance from The Mines View Park at very affordable rate. It has two big rooms, 10 of us (8 adults and 2 kids) perfectly fit, with cushioned beddings; hot shower bath; living room area; dining and kitchen area (with free use of cooking utensils and dinner wares).

Tomorrow, hopefully the sun will shine bright and its time to explore Baguio once again.

Viber joins Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015

Kristian Melquiades, the General Manager of Viber will be one of the panelist/speakersto the upcoming Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 on July 26, 2015 at SMX Convention Center at BGC Taguig, Philippines. Kristian will be sharing latest insights as to how Viber transformed the call and messaging landscape in the Philippines. He will also discuss how fun and creative stickers have become the new form of messaging. At Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015, different top executives will join together to share the future of Online Marketing in the Philippines and in Asia Pacific region with the following points:

• The digital economy of the Philippines

• Positioning the Philippines as a gateway from East to West and West to East

• Is the Philippines ready to be a cashless society?

• Disrupting tradition and embracing innovation

• Technology and Entrepreneurship driving inclusive growth
• Micro - multinationals E-commerce connecting SMEs to ASEAN and beyond

Partial list of speakers are as follows; 

Constantin Roberts - Managing Director, Zalora Philippines

Kristian Melquiades- General Manager, Viber Philippines 

Richard Upton- President, John Robert Powers Asia 

Donald Lim- Chief Digital Officer, ABS CBN

Janette Toral- E Commerce Advocate, Digital Club Filipino

Robert Yupangco- President, Yupangco Group of Companies

Chinkee Tan- Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Radio Host and Wealth; Wellness Coach 

Rebecca Bustamante Mills- CEO, Chalre Associates; President, Asia CEO Awards

Mikel Yaw- CEO, Elabram Systems Group 

Carlos Celdran- Brand Ambassador, Tour Guide
Maria Camille Montejo- CEO, NWSteel Technologies & Tree Top Adventure Inc.
Pocholo Gonzales- CEO, Creative Voices Productions

Tanya Llana- Marketing &; Sales Director, Victoria Court; General Manager, Hotel La Corona De Lipa

James Jimenez- Director, Commission On Elections 

Lloyd Luna- CEO, Lloyd Luna CorporationFor more information, you may visit www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph. For partnership and

sponsorship, you may contact TAG Media; PR at 09166299381 or atgrace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph

A Visit to Rekados Cafe & Restaurant

Its summer time once again! School has ended and there are plenty of non-working holidays and long weekends. So what else to do but relax and enjoy those days.

Just south of Metro Manila, is one of our favorite destination, that is Tagaytay. You need not travel far to enjoy a cool climate and take a breathe out of your hectic schedules. But before going up, you may want to visit this well recommended dining place. Rekados Café & Restaurant. Well, actually I’ve been here several times because we’ve always been to Tagaytay and yes! this is a favorite eating place for me and my friends.

It is just along the Tagaytay-Silang Road and surely you will not miss this merely it has an attractive façade. It also has an inner and outside dining area. Also on-going is the construction of additional area that is just perfect for a garden wedding or any outside dining occasion.

Rekados serves mostly Filipinos-Spanish & Italian inspired food. What makes me come back here and my real favorite is their Paella Valenciana. I like seafood a lot, that’s why and I loved its abundance of big shrimps, clams and green oysters (tahong) and the chorizos.

You may also want to try their kare-kare. Unlike the usual preparation of this dish, theirs has the pork cooked separately like a “lechon kawali”, the veggies are so crunchy and the tasty peanut sauce that makes a perfect kare-kare.

They also served combo meals. It’s a combination of viands and rice with veggies, a complete meal actually. There’s a grilled salmon, callos and other combo meals you can choose according to your preference.

After the sumptuous meal, we always order coffee along with churroz in chocolate dip, perfect combination right?

Also don’t forget to try and take home some egg or strawberry tarts which you can avail at Balai Pasalubong. They got plenty of native sweets and delicacies you may want to bring along going to your destination or as take home presents for your loved ones.

So the next time you’re here down south and on your way to Tagaytay, don’t forget to drop-by and bring your families and friends at Rekados Café and Restaurant. It is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and located along Tagaytay-Silang Road in Silang, Cavite.

You may also like and follow them on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Cayets Cabin Private Resort in Pansol, Laguna

It’s just like walking in your Grandma’s old room with a Balinese inspired environment. Located within the famous hot spring resorts capital of the Philippines in Pansol, Cala,ba City, Laguna. Overlooking the scenic and legendary Mount Makiling. Cayet’s Cabin Private Resort is a highly recommended getaway place where friends and/or families can truly enjoy a weekday or weekend pleasure. Whether you would like to spend your daytime or a night out with some luxury that is memorable enough.

The resort has six (6) airconditioned cabin rooms with either a queen-size bed or two (2) double-size beds. Each room can accommodate 3 to 4 persons. There’s also a dorm-type room that can fit in up to 8 persons. Its all complete with its own toilet and bath, a cable TV, and a 2-seater table. Whether you would like to have the airconditioning on, or just open the windows or the sliding door leading to the terrace patio, and let the cool breeze fan you.

Outside is a big adult swimming pool that is 4 – 6 feet deep and a knee-high kiddie pool for the little ones. The locality is famous for its lukewarm water, surely once you dip yourself in the pool you wouldn’t want to get out anymore. This is just perfect for those underwater selfies which me and my friends did.

 

There is a spacious garage, and lots and lots of flowers and fauna everywhere. You might really wonder how the designers/landscapers have put together everything and turn it into a beauty that is pleasing to the eyes.

But if you want a little quiet time, there are several seating areas where you can prefer to read your favorite book.

And on top of it all, when families and friends gather together, what they would like to do best? Eat . . . eat . . . indulge with your “baon” of cooked food or do some cooking and broiling here. The kitchen is equipped with cooking stove, cookwares and utensils. How about those steamed veggies with “alamang”, barbecue and “inihaw” belly complete with tomatoes and diced mango, what a feast!

Just beside is a sitting couch that is perfect for a short nap. And you might want to visit this awesome room. The interior is really delightful, I would like to nap here as well, ha! Ha! Ha!

Or forget that nap because everyone else is enjoying their turn at the videoke and sing with their heart out. Or wiggle your hips with the latest dance craze via the x-box.

Me and my little boy had a great time spent with our dear friends.

So if you’re planning your summer getaway, or for any occasion you may reserve Cayet’s Cabin now.

Tel. no. +63(49)5456513
Mobile nos. 0922-8614904; 0932-8527878; 0917-3277878; 0917-6307878; 0917-5537878
Look for sir Boyet or Ms. Carina

Important note: Leave your gadegets at home and just stay offline while you’re here. Just bring your camera with you for those endless selfies and pure fun.

Save more and be safe on the road with MICHELIN tires

The New Year calls for new tires, and here’s good news! If you buy new Michelin tires, you can earn additional cash vouchers too.

Michelin is offering for a purchase of a pair of MICHELIN tires for passenger car or light truck (PCLT) of the same pattern and tire size (size 14-inch and above), entitles you to a Sodexo cash voucher worth PhP 500. The more MICHELIN tires you buy, the bigger the amount of cash vouchers you get.

The vouchers are valid anytime, with no expiry date. The promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other sales activities offered by the dealer.

The Michelin Free Gas Promo is covered by DTI FTEB SPD No. 0264, Series of 2015. For more details about the promo, customers may consult the promo posters, visit participating dealers in their area or log on towww.michelin.com.ph.

Michelin, the leading tire company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment and trucks. It also offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in more than 170 countries, has 111,200 employees and operates 67 production plants in 17 different countries. The Group has a Technology Center in charge of research and development with operations in Europe, North America and Asia.(www.michelin.com).

“10 Kumainments” pushed in 17 regions to combat unhealthy diet, lifestyle

After its successful launch in Metro Manila, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) pushes its “10 Kumainments” campaign to all 17 regions of the country, through the local government units (LGUs) as its drivers.

The campaign, which provides “the recommended guide” for Filipinos to obtain a healthy diet by following simple guidelines, has been translated into local dialects, including Cebuano and Ivatan. The NNC-ARMM(Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) has even made a transliteration of the nutritional guidelines in Arabic and called it the Nutritional Guidelines for Muslim Filipinos, which cites teachings in the Qur’an, showing support for each of the guidelines.

The 10 Kumainments was launched last 23 October 2014 by the National Nutrition Council and has been widely publicized through well-placed TV and radio commercials in leading radio and television networks and local radio stations nationwide. Regional launch events were led by the NNC regional offices in key cities nationwide.

The program was launched to address the growing concern for the nutritional status of Filipinos, which has been compromised by either a lack or excess of food, unhealthy eating habits and the trend towards a sedentary lifestyle. These have, in turn, led to the rise of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes.

“Filipinos love to eat, especially during the holiday season. That is why it is very important to remind Filipinos that they should not compromise their health while celebrating in countless office parties, family reunions and dining out opportunities this season,” said Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, Executive Director of the NNC.

The NNC’s “10 Kumainments” were derived from the 10 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF)developed by aninter-agency Technical Working Group through the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, and have been popularized this year with an easy-to-remember format and a more relatable approach. These are the primary recommendations for nutrition and healthy lifestyle in order to attain good health,” she continued.

The 10 Kumainments are simple, easy to follow and easy to remember. For example, Kumainment No. 1 states: “Kumain ng iba’t ibang pagkain” while Kumainment No. 3 states: “Kumain ng gulay at prutas araw-araw”.

The 10 Kumainments are like the Biblical 10 Commandments. Thus, a character was developed in the person of Moises Dalisay or “Mang Moi” who was molded after the Biblical Moses—who now promotes the 10 Kumainments in media and in communities.

The NNC plans to further push its nutritional awareness campaign by working together with various government agencies in 2015 for issuance of department circulars and memos to encourage the use of the nutritional guidelines. Restaurants, groceries, supermarkets, dining places and other public places will be included in the campaign since this is where people need to be reminded of pursuing healthy eating and an active lifestyle. Since a lot of Filipinos also live abroad, a more aggressive and extensive dissemination of the 10 “Kumainments” will be done through Philippine embassies and consulates and the Internet for wider reach.

“We encourage all Filipinos to follow the 10 Kumainments so that they can influence proper nutrition behaviours and to also be able to help reduce the risk to malnutrition and non-communicable diseases,” Flores said.

For more information, write or call the NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL, 2332 Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Taguig City. Tel. Nos. 843.0142; 843.1337; 843.5824; Fax No. 843.5818; Email: info@nnc.gov.ph or visithttp://www.nnc.gov.ph andwww.facebook.com/nncofficial. Twitter @NNC_official.

A Stylish, Energy-efficient and Income-earning Modular Homes: Pre-Fab is Fab!

All of us dream of a stylish home, either for ourselves living alone or for our family. Something decent that we can always come home to at the end of the day. Now there's a good choice with pre-fab homes.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “pre-fab home”?

Bet you thought of soldiers’ barracks, temporary shelters or low-cost houses that the government put up for mass housing in the 60s and 70s.

But prefabricated homes have come a long way. Whether its purpose is to be a family home, a vacation getaway, or a home that one can use for business, one can now find a trendy modular home to cherish and be proud of because it looks good and performs superbly as a dwelling unit too.

Pre-fab homes today are practically custom-built, beautifully designed, sturdy, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and ready to meet the challenges posed by the elements. Although built in quick time, no compromise has been made on its quality or integrity. New homes that use this fast and flexible building technique have also been hailed for using sustainable, recycled, low-energy materials and fixtures that result in functional, space-efficient, eco-friendly design.

Aluform PreFab Construction and Consultancy, makers of office buildings and technoparks, has brought stylish modular housing to the Philippines to meet the needs of young families, investment-seekers and upwardly mobile professionals on the lookout for homes that are ready for occupancy within a shorter waiting time. The modular dwellings are convenient to construct, flexible in terms of space usage and cost much less than a conventionally built home.

Classy looking and stylish, Aluform Pre-Fabricated Homes come in two designs: Country and Zen. Both are airy, with their respective charm and appeal, are spacious and energy efficient, and make good use of available light and ventilation to lower energy bills by as much as 20%. The energy savings of up to 20% is due to good insulating roof and wall materials, plus sufficient air ventilation that keeps the stylish home in a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius zone at high noon!

The façade is made of wood-like planks of finished materials, while the actual panels are reinforced with pre-cast concrete filled with insulation materials for total thermal, moisture and acoustic protection. These give the homes their energy-saving properties.

Designed for both luxury and function, strategically placed windows and doors allow natural light to enter the home. The windows use a certified double-glazed system that insulates the house from external noise and other kinds of pollution. Louver features below the roof keep the ceiling well ventilated at all times.

The houses have a floor area of 135 square meters and have a multi-purpose Lanai, which is one of the best features of Aluform Pre-Fabricated Homes. The generous space opens up the home investment to many possibilities. The lanai area can be used to make a bigger dining room, if desired, an entertainment area, a bigger garage. Or even to open up a business space like a home office, a mini grocery, barber shop, parlor, snack shop, kitchenette, or other enterprise that can make the home earn additional income for its owners.

Built to withstand the elements, Aluform Pre-Fabricated Homes are easier to put up than conventional on-site constructions. One can have a home built in 60 days or less that is immediately livable because furnishings are already in place within that period. Highly versatile, they are also good for export and are transferrable to other locations in the future, if desired.

“Aluform Pre-Fab Homes are highly desirable during these times when more and more families and individuals lead an active lifestyle and are discovering their entrepreneurial spirit. They can be lived in as simple residences, but can also make good home offices or the site of income generating ventures. Enterprising owners can make them places where they can “live and earn”. There are infinite possibilities,” says Ritchie Catalan, Marketing Officer of Aluform Industries, Inc.

Aluform Industries, Inc. supplies the materials for the homes but would-be owners can engage their own contractors if preferred. They can also avail of Aluform’s services for the house construction.

For more information and dealership inquiries, call (0917) 828-8189 and (0917) 891-1088. Or email modular.creation@gmail.com.

Manulife’s Bundle of Joy: A lasting gift for our young family’s future

by Cheryl De Guia-Lim, Businesswoman

If there’s one thing I learned as a newbie parent, one should give what’s best for the child, especially for a newborn baby. Parents are expected to know how to feed, bathe, clothe, play with, and generally  care  for  their  baby  –  but  babies  don't come with instructions. And even if this isn't your first,  you may still be trying to figure out how to deal with it physically, emotionally and financially. 

The vast  majority of newborns enter  the world healthy but they are more vulnerable to germs than older babies because they simply haven't had time to build up defenses. Sometimes infants develop conditions  that  require  medical  tests  and treatment. All  signs and  symptoms  are  of  even  greater concern if the baby is less than 3 months old. 

We experienced this  first  hand as my husband Oliver  and I found ourselves rushing to the emergency room at 2 a.m. due to  the  high fever of our newborn son. After a series of laboratory tests to rule out bigger complications, our little boy was diagnosed with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Seven days and eighty thousand pesos later, we were discharged with our baby healthier and stronger. 

Looking  back,  we  would  not  have  done  things differently, except for  one realization magnified—we would stop at  nothing for our child. It  is a lesson learned through one hospital scare. We can only do so much to take care of our little one, and even if we wrap him in our arms until he is okay to thrive on his own, we as parents cannot live forever. Accidents happen and  diseases  will not  always  be  at  bay.  The  unpredictability  of  parenthood comes  with  inevitable emergencies of life. If something happens to Oliver and I even before he turns one, what happens to our newborn child? What can we leave behind? 

We can either burden ourselves with anxiety on things we cannot control or secure the best future for our son—without delay. This means now -- no need to wait until his first birthday. The absolute security of our newborn is not even a choice, it is a necessity. After all, what is more urgent than our child’s future? 

The cost  of pregnancy, baby delivery,  supplies and immunizations all add up. So for  parents  like us, Manulife’s Bundle of Joy program is a welcome breath of fresh air. With no premium required, moms and dads with newborns less than a year old would only need to register online for a free one-year insurance coverage worth Php100,000.00. You can also seek expert advice and useful guides for first-time parents and  financial  awareness  for  those  who  are starting  to  build  a  family.  The  site  also  offers  relevant information for us parents on freebies, promos and other fun activities. 

At this time, getting insurance may be at the bottom of your checklist, as it was previously in ours. But as we relish the joys of parenthood, let us learn to choose lifelong benefits, the ones that would benefit the family and ultimately our newborns. The cute strollers, cribs, baby bouncers and toys will be outgrown in a short amount of time but a good insurance coverage will last a long time. 

Consider Manulife’s Bundle of Joy program as another version of a tight hug for your baby--thoughtful,comforting and valuable. Register online at www.manulifebundleofjoy.com.ph and shower your newborn with unlimited hugs while they are young.

Filipino Bloggers Network Christmas Party 2014

The Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the most active bloggers group in the country, successfully held its annual Christmas party at the Aluform facilities at Jade Garden, San Juan City last December 13.

The event which was filled with fun games, great food and more importantly, sharing of stories of the fellow online writers. FBN currently has almost 1400 blogger members and continue to expand as it provides a venue for Pinoy bloggers to interact with other members from different part of the Philippines. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from different brands for the group are co-admins Divine RC and Richard Mamuyac.

This year’s celebration was supported by the following generous sponsors:

Aluform PreFab Construction and Consultancy - Makers of office buildings and technoparks. The company also supplies the materials for the homes but would-be owners can engage their own contractors if preferred. They can also avail of Aluform’s services for the house construction. For more information and dealership inquiries, call (0917) 828-8189 and (0917) 891-1088. Or email modular.creation@gmail.com

AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc. (AMPR) - One of the country’s leading public relations agencies. AMPR is a full service public relations and marketing services company that caters to various industries and companies of diverse sizes. AMPR is also engaged in related services such as event planning and management, news and events monitoring from media and non-media sources, conceptualization and development of creative materials and brand marketing review for clients in need of end-to-end development of communication plans. For more about AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc.’s expertise and services, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AMPRInc or contact them through (02) 706-1971 and ampr.consultancy@gmail.com.

Get Med app – Published by UNA IT Mobile Solutions Philippines Inc. GetMed is your first stop for leading a healthy lifestyle. Get the latest health tips, news stories, diets, health horoscopes and more via this FREE app. Stories and articles come from reputable sources around the world to ensure you are getting the best advice in leading a healthier life. GetMed also allows you to enhance your experience when you need to search for a Doctor, Visit your Doctor or look for your local hospital. With more doctors registering daily, you will be able to book your appointment with registered doctors with the simply click of a button. The app is available in Google Play and App Store.

Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc. - One of the Philippines leading and most respected public relations and marketing organizations. Established in July 1995 and fully incorporated in January 1997, the company has become more than a Public Relations Company as it prefer to call themselves an Integrated Marketing Communications Company. Contact them through tel. no. (02) 897708, email pr@dominguezmarketing.net or visit their website www.dominguezmarketing.net.

Comm&Sense - One of the first marketing communications agency in the country to offer inbound marketing solutions. At the core of Comm&Sense’s strategy is Content Marketing. Content Marketing fullfils the goal of finding your customers, without annoying them. This is accomplished by strategically and consistently feeding them with content that they want. More info at www.commsenseinc.com. You can contact them via email makemerelevant@commsenseinc.com or tel. no. (02) 893-5274.

True Blends the Strip - Hailed as one of the most popular cafes in Ortigas by Zomato Food Guide and published by Yahoo! Philippines. True Blends’ hearty and healthy drinks makes use of the finest quality tea leaves and coffee beans. True Blends also offers All-day Breakfast Meals, Combo Meals, Tidbits such as Mojos and Chicken Chops, Sandwiches and Sausages at a student friendly price. True Blends is located along Ortigas Avenue just between Mercury Drug Store and 7-11 at Medical City Pasig. You can also call for delivery at (02) 697-7977. And, they also offer flexible and affordable milk tea booth packages for event.

Sugarleaf - Foods that Nourish and Healthy Choices. The company advocates healthy living through organic foods and natural health. Their mantra s “Let Food be your medicine!” For more info, contact Mr. Angelo Narciso Songso via email angelo@sugraleafph.com, tel. no. (02) 385-0387 or visit their website www.sugarleafph.com

Unilab - The biggest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines. The company has a market share of some 20 percent which it has consistently maintained for more than three decades. Its portfolio includes some of the biggest prescription and consumer healthcare brands in the country. To know more about the company, visit www.unilab.com.ph.

Lightwater - Water is the purest and most natural beverage in the world. The brand’s goal was to create a beverage which is both pure and also functional to meet everyone’s needs. So they added more function to water to make it better. they added vital electrolytes which will hydrate and keep body systems running smoothly. For more info about lightwater, please contact: Suncoast Brands International Corporation via info@suncoastbrands.com or visit www.drinklightwater.com and www.drinkthyvitamins.com for their Vitamin Boost brand.

GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc. (GMCI) - Transformative values-based marketing campaigns designed to influence perception and change beliefs. The company is known for innovation and strategic marketing in the communications industry. Our services include strategy, branding, digital, crisis and issues management, integrated marketing and events, among others. Contact them through tel. no. (02) 856-4624, email info@geisermaclangnetwork.com or visit www.geisermaclang.com.

Lamoiyan Corporation - The first Filipino Company to succeed in penetrating the local toothpaste industy, long dominated by mutinationals. With Hapee, their own brand of toothpaste since their formal inauguration in March 1988, the company was able to maintain a consistent quality standard that was patronized and love by the Filipinos nationwide. Lamoiyan also provides a variety of quality products for oral care, household and personal care at an affordable cost. Some of our brands includes Hapee, Kutitap and Gumtect toothpastes. Dazz dishwashing paste/liquid, and Licealiz for lice infestations. To know more about them, visit www.lamoiyan.com.

Breville - An iconic Australian and global brand. Design and innovation have underpinned this success. From the Snack'n'Sandwich maker in 1974, to the wide feed tube Juice Fountain™ in 1999, and the Professional 800 Collection of today, Breville has provided inspiration to generations of customers.

Though Breville's roots are in Australia, Breville-designed products are now sold in more than 30 countries around the world, including the United States. Like a true Australian however, Breville has remained grounded, despite its global success. Breville is proof that some companies still listen to customers. Visit www.breville.com.ph to know more about their products.

Mondelez International - One big company. The company believes that above all, in one thing – something that’s unique to their organization – and that’s the power of Big and small. They have the scale and resources of a global powerhouse. But also the speed, creativity and agility of a fresh new start-up. Oreo and Tang are just two of their popular products. Visit http://ph.mondelezinternational.com to know more about them.

Sweet Treats by Aci Girl – Yummy goodies for all occasions. Looking gift ideas this holiday season? How about delicious baked products from blogger baker? Contact Aci Girl though SMS/Viber (09287741731), Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SWEET-TREATS-by-ACI_GIRL or Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sweetaci.

With the overflowing support that FBN receives this year from different partner brands and members of the group this year, bigger and better opportunities and events are coming soon in the horizon.

So How's Your Hair These Holidays?

Christmas is a great time for merrymaking, but then it can also be a terrible season for stress. Work may greatly increase as the holidays approach; add to that a heavy rotation of parties, intense decision-making on what gifts to buy and frantic scheduling for gatherings.


All these frenzied activities may take a toll on your appearance, especially your hair. Your mane may tend to misbehave at this point, just when you’re about to attend one party after another. 

But don't stress yourself out, as the acclaimed Japanese hair-care brand, SYOSS, gives you the haute coiffure pampering these holidays.

SYOSS offers professional hair care, styling and coloration that provide a wide range of benefits and solutions to help turn dreaded bad-hair days to experiencing great salon-beautiful hair every day. Isn’t that what every woman wants and desires?

Through its wide range of high-performing products that address the most common hair dilemmas of women in more than 50 countries, SYOSS stays true to its brand philosophy of helping them achieve professional hair care at an affordable price.

SYOSS contains a specially formulated hair-care technology called “Pro-Cellium Keratin,” which was developed by top Japanese hairdressers to provide treatment for damaged hair by penetrating hair strands and reconstructing them from the inside.

SYOSS lets you look sensational, as its shampoos and conditioners come in three variants: Repair Therapy, Moisture Intensive Care and Anti-Dandruff Control. Repair Therapy is designed to repair heavily damaged, stressed, colored or permed hair. Moisture Intensive Care is formulated to moisturize dry, frizzy and brittle hair. Anti-Dandruff Control contains Zinc Pyrithione, which fights dandruff from the first application while providing smoothness to the hair.

SYOSS also has a hair coloration range that provides perfect gray coverage with long-lasting and intensely vibrant colors. Women can choose among eight shades: Black, Dark Brown, Chocolate Brown, Dark Mocha, Medium Brown, Dark Ruby Red, Medium Ash Blonde and Extra Light Ash Brown.

No hairstyle is perfect for the holidays without a styling product’s final touch! The SYOSS hair styling products make it easy to achieve professional-looking hairstyles without going to the salon. Curl Control whip and cream give defined, long-lasting curls, full of perfect bounce and smoothness while Strong Hold wax provides mega-strong hold to achieve individual looks easily.

SYOSS also introduces a revolutionary new range, the Oleo Intense, which is an oil-infused salon-quality range for 100% intensive nourishment and color intensity. It comes in shampoos, conditioners and hair coloration products. The shampoo and conditioner, when used together, nurture your hair with precious oil that results to opulent shine and suppleness. On the other hand, the pure oil in Oleo Intense hair color intensifies the coloring action, delivering a higher amount of pigments, deeper into the hair cortex and maximizing the color efficiency.

Avoid the Christmas rush and let SYOSS make you look sensational this season. Find it at all leading supermarkets, department stores, and drugstores nationwide.

About Henkel
Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Beauty Care, Laundry & Home Care, and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 47,000 people and reported sales of 15,605 million euros and adjusted operating profit of 2,029 million euros in fiscal 2011. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.

Christmas Light Show Grand Launch at Filinvest City

Its Christmas time once again and there’s nowhere else to celebrate and be merry. It is here at Filinvest City where “Everything is Christmas”.

Last Sunday, December 1, 2014, Filinvest City launched its month-long musical light show celebration. Friends and guests flocked to the newly-opened River Park at Festival Supermall to witness this very festive event. 

Christmas Light Show Grand Launch at Filinvest City

The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and the very talented Ms. Bituin Escalante serenaded everyone with their beautiful renditions of some classic music and Christmas songs.

The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Filinvest City 

Ms. Bituin Escalante wows the crowd at Filinvest Vity

There was also a merry production number performed by Christmas characters like Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Elf, little Drummer Boy, among others that really delighted the kids, especially my son Ivan. 

Had this photo opp with no one else but Santa Claus, what an early treat.

Filinvest City, with this season’s campaign, “Everything is Christmas”, aimed to keep everyone inspired this holiday. Also with their goal to be the “Christmas Capital of the South’, they have lined-up a series of activities that will bring excitement and spirit of Christmas to those living in the South and to everyone else who can come to visit.

Now on its second year, the Musical Light Show will run daily for the whole month of December from 6 to 9 pm. There will also be fireworks display at 9pm every Sunday night.

Over 5,000 christmas lights were installed at the River Park, Festival Supermall which also offers a great dining outlets like Market Basket, Chef’s Barrel, Asikawa Ramen Bangaichi, Mati’s Meats and Bread, and Starbucks.

Schedule of Events and Performances:
December 5 – Ateneo Chorale
December 6 – UP Chorale
December 7 – Paolo Santos
December 12 – DLSU Chorale
December 13 – DLSZ Chorale
December 14 – Barbie Almalbis
December 19 – UST Chorale
December 20 – Ballet Philippines & Kundirana
December 21 – Jimmy Bondoc
December 28 – MYMP

For more information on Filinvest City events call (+632)846-0278. You may also like and follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts.



About Filinvest City:
Inspiring Possibilities! A leisurely 15-minute drive away from Makati, Filinvest City is a prime development of Filinvest, a leader in Philippines’ property development for over fifty years. Guided by the Gotianun family’s tradition of integrity, quality and service, it forgesahead with renewed dynamism.

PINE SUITES: YOUR HOME SWEET HOME IN TAGAYTAY

Crown Asia, a privately-owned real estate company in the Philippines recently had a ground-breaking ceremony for its latest project, Pine Suites Tagaytay.

Pine Suites Tagaytay is a medium-rise 5-storey residential buildings with 347 residential units and 104 parking lots. It is composed of 3 buildings comprising a total area of 10,023.74sqm. It has a Modern Danish Architecture and Pine Tree alcoves theme concept. It will have a very private tree-lined entrance, a stylish lobby with awelcoming fireplace, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. Every 2-bedroom suite will have its individual patio or balcony. 

A 2-bedroom premiere end-unit has a total floor area of 51.79 sqm, including its balcony and drying cage. On the other hand, the 2-bedroom suite inner unit has a total floor area of 48.38 sqm. Also with balcony and drying cage.

Amenities include: a clubhouse, leisure pool, fitness gym, function room, game room, lounge area, landscaped parks and playground.

Pine Suites Tagaytay is available for the following payment terms: SPOT CASH, DEFERRED CASH, BANK FINANCING and IN-HOUSE FINANCING. There’s also currently a buyer’s promo wherein, a buyer can either get a free dinner buffet for 2 or an iPad mini.

Why Tagaytay? Tagaytay is a well-known mountain-resort city located in the province of Cavite, at the southwestern region of the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Situated approximately 56 kms south of Manila. One of the best choice for residence outside of Metro Manila by many of the country’s elite, relocating expatriates, and retired couples.

Just like the many other gated communities in the city,Pine Suites Tagaytay is near some shopping and dining places, leisure and amusement parks, hospitals, schools, police and fire stations and several famous churches.

If your answer is a resounding YES to all of these

§ Do you want a rest house?
§ Do you want a secured investment?
§ Do you want to be closer to nature?
§ Do you want to invest?
§ Do you want to own a piece of Tagaytay?

Then, Pine Suites Tagaytay is the best investment for you and your family. Make your good choice now.

For more information, you may get in touch with Crown Asia Sales Office at 0999 886 4261 or 0905 311 9151. You may also like and follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts.