Humming Beautifully with Humming Bread

When my little boy Ivan celebrated his 4th birthday, he requested for a Thomas inspired birthday cake.  So me and my sister DIY a cake for him.

Just few weeks ago, I bumped into mommy Grace in our online support group, the Avenue for Mommies Online (AMO).  She is the proud owner of Humming Bread, and she recently created this very nice Thomas cake.  

When Ivan saw this cake, he asked me if he can again have a Thomas on his next birthday and specifically he want this one.

Humming bread is a creator of custom cakes, be it a wedding cake, a christening cake, a child's party theme, a corporate event or an adults hobby.  They can tailor the cakes according to the clients' specifications.

Here are some of her very beautiful creations.

Cake flavors are vanilla, dark chocolate, carrot, red velvet, banana, butterpound and mocha.  Buttercream fillings are: vanilla, chocolate, white chocolate, mocha, cookies and cream, premium fillings, chocolate ganache and white chocolate ganache.

To know more about Humming Bread you can like their Facebook Page and visit their website.

Note: photos are used with permission from the owner.

Discovering the new Metro Alabang

Yesterday I had the privileged to be among the very few who get an initial glimpsed of the newest hype in town, the Metro Alabang. Metro Store Alabang is the 18th store of Metro, a leading retail store in Cebu, owned by Vicsal Development Corporation, a private family 
corporation.

Located in a 44,000 square massive property south of Metro Manila.  It becomes the newest anchor store of the existing Alabang Town Center by Ayala Land.  The store is the company's vision to become a world-class retail company thus it mainly focuses on providing the best quality products at competitive prices complemented with delightful services.

According to Mr. Eduardo Ponce, Metro Retail Group's President and Chief Operating Officer, "Definitely our customers in the South will have a different kind of shopping experience in Metro Alabang, that's why we invite them to discover the new metro, truly a one-stop shopping destination".

photo courtesy of Metro site

And to fulfill this customer promise, Metro took major steps to upgrade its merchandise assortment and store layout plus enhanced shopper amenities to deliver an elevated customer shopping experience.  Personally I witnessed what he said, the Metro having a wider aisles for ease and convenience of shopping especially at the supermarket which I did not  find in any other supermarkets.  

What's in there at the Metro?

At the Metro department store there's a section called "Treasures of Cebu" - it offers a one-of-a-kind export quality accessories hand crafted, designed and manufactured by Avatar, Binibini and Tribal Crafts International. There are also Cebu-made world class furniture pieces.

At the home department, Sleep Zone offers an exclusive collection of beds called Regal Comfort Collection.  For the fashionistas and hobbyists, there's a wide array of notions and textiles.

Metro Supermarket - a wide range of groceries from around the world right at your fingertips! With over 12,000 local products and 4,000 directly imported items from about 20 countries.

photo courtesy of Metro site

Metro Gourmet - A Taste of Europe in Alabang, offers a wide selection of 180 cheeses and deli items.  This is the only place in the Philippines where you can find the real Foie Gras Au Torchon Mi-Cuit (delicately-cooked wrapped in cloth).

Suisse Cottage - savor freshly baked bread and pastries.  Sir Damien Desiandes, a professional baker from France on hand with his long experience in pastry and bread making, shared his expertise and develop products to suit refined tastes of Alabang market.  Such to treat customers with delectable and meticulously prepared European pastry delights.

Taste of Cebu - honest to goodness "lechon cebu" flown in daily from Cebu, wow!

Metro Wine and Liquor Shop - a wide selection of wines and liquor from all around the world, with their private sommelier ready to assists the customers choose among his 34 French and California wines in the store.

Metro Pharmacy - the drug store is conveniently located beside the supermarket, thus saves you from another trip to any other pharmacy.  Likewise they offer reasonable prices, need not worry about your health condition.

Food Choices - initial choices available are outlets of Sbarro, the very first outlet in ATC; Serenitea, Starbucks, GoNuts Donuts, Bodato Burgers and Tutti Frutti frozen yogurts.  There are also fastfood choices at the Food Avenue - Roaster Chef, Noodle King, Steak Rush and Food To Go.

The Supermarket has already come up with their initial catalogue containing the various store specials like the Buy 1 Take 1 US Premium Angus Rib-Eye; freebies on selected purchases; among other store promotions.

At the event, guests were treated to a sumptuous cocktail, each were also given a passport for a Treasure Hunt Game.  Game participants need to collect all 12 stamps as they go around the Treasure Zone.  Prizes for this game are: jewelry set, P20,000 GCs, Nokia Lumia Cellphone, Samsung 32" LCD TV, washing machine, digital camera, microwave oven, dinner set and basket of goodies.

What I like most is this one, its a dried mango strip dipped in Belgian chocolates.  The taste was really heavenly, I wish I can have more. A box of 24 pcs costs about seven hundred pesos.  

Location:

Alabang-Zapote Road
corner Madrigal and Corporate Avenue
Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City
(632)358 4269

Hours of Operation
Department Store: 11am - 9pm (Mon - Fri); 10am - 10pm (Sat & Sun)
Supermarket: 8:30am - 9pm (Mon - Fri); 8:30am - 10pm (Sat & Sun)

About Metro:

Vicsal Development Corporation (VICSAL) is a private family corporation primarily engaged in the retail business.  It owns and operates a chain of department stores and supermarkets popularly known as METRO. Vicsal also owns the Pacific Malls, located in Mandaue City, Cebu, Legazpi City and Lucena City.  In 2011, Vicsal acquired a chain of neighborhood stores in Cebu, named Tita Gwapa.

Metro's business operations were shaped and influenced by the combined expereinces fo the Gaisano family in the retail industry.  It enjoys the patronage of all types of customers and is the leading retail store in Cebu.  Aside from retail, Vicsal has also expanded into other businesses such as real estate, banking, pawnshop, stock brokerage, and logistics.

Let’s join Chef Lau’s Dinner Party!

I am so excited today, because when I opened my inbox I got a message from Nuffnang, its all about a contest mechanics on how to join an exclusive invite party that Chef Rolando Laudico together with Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief (CSPR) will going to have.

Chef Lau as he is more popularly known is one of the Philippines' top culinary personalities.  I do admire him for his skills especially how he was able to fuse international cuisines with our very own Filipino recipes resulting to a better tasting dishes that suited our local lifestyle and preferences.

As I always described myself, "I know how to cook but I am not a good cook", so there's the real frustration in me to still learn how to cook dishes that my family will surely love.  Therefore I make it a point that I attend cooking demonstration alongside with my little boy whom I can see some culinary liking at a young age, for now he is getting keen on watching cooking shows on TV and on the internet.  

Wow! that's why I wanted to be part of this dinner party.  Not only Chef Lau will gonna share his expertise.  Accordingly, there is more to enjoy, that is how to celebrate and enjoy freedom from tooth sensitivity.  Thanks to Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief.  Now we can truly enjoy any food, from hot to cold, sweet to some acidic ones without worrying about "pangingilo".  

For many years, me and my own family trusted only one brand of toothpaste and I grew up knowing there's only Colgate to take care of me and my family's health.  So thank you Colgate for always being there, you're like an angel who's keeping a watch on us.

Be Proactiv with the Bieber Fever

It may not be vanity at all but keeping a good skin is important. Youngsters nowadays are luckier because there are widely available products in the market today that offers various skin solutions.  One common skin problem among teenagers and young adults is acne breakouts, and this really embarrasses and keeps someone indoors for days and missed the fun outside. Surely, just like my teenage nieces and nephews you don't want this happen.  

Yes! lucky for us because Proactiv Solution, the no.1 acne prevention treatment from the US has already landed in the Philippine soil and is now widely available in the market, all within our reach.

What is Proactiv Solution?  It is the most innovative anti-acne system worldwide which comes with advanced micro crystal Benzoyl Peroxide, with particles small enough to penetrate pores faster. The new Proactiv solution promises to fight acne faster and gentler than ever. What's more, it does not only keeps acne away but prevents them from coming back.

Each Proactiv kit comes with Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, Repairing Treatment, and free Refining Mask. It uses 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide unlike other spot treatments. At this concentration, it is safe even for everyday use and for the entire face. 

So who's into Proactiv solutions lately? none other than very famous young celebrity "Justin Bieber".  But why Justin Bieber, surely he does not have acne problem and therefore don't need Proactiv.  He might be popular but he's still human and goes through the same skin problems just like you.  For now, according to him "no acne, no breakouts" but still he would like to prevent them from coming in such he will always be confident during photo shoots and performances.

I think Justin Bieber is just a befitting endorser of Proactiv as he speaks of youth, he portrays a typical teenager despite him being known by every youngsters.  Yes! even my 4y old boy idolizes him and sings  along with his song "Baby, Baby", mimicking his dance steps as well.



Now Proactiv Solutions has joined the Bieber Fever and they are giving away a Justin Bieber Girlfriend perfume and a Justin Bieber laptop case? Now who wants it? How can you get it?  All you have to do is purchase a Proactiv kit solution and get a chance to take home these exciting items.

HOW TO JOIN:

1. Customer can buy either a Proactiv 30-day Kit or Proactiv 60-day kit from any of the participating outlets.

• Door to Door delivery Hotlines (729-222, 1-800-8-729-8888, 1-800-10-889-4444, 0917-801-8888), customer's given Account Name as per Proactiv's official Customer Database shall be entitled with the raffle entry.
• Proactiv mall kiosk: Glorietta, Ground Floor; Trinoma, 2nd Floor; Robinson's Galleria, 3rd Floor; Marquee Mall, Ground Floor; 

2. All Watson's outlets or SM Department Store branches

3. For purchases at Proactiv mall Kiosks, customer must fill-out the Official Raffle Entry Form with the following details:

    Customer Name:
    Customer Address:
    Customer Contact Number:
    Product Purchased:
    Date of Purchase:
    OR Number:
    Signature of Customer:
    Signature of Promodizer:

The Official Raffle Entry Form must be submitted to the Proactiv Pomodizer in charge to qualify for the raffle.

For purchases at Watsons or SM Department Stores - Customers can read the promo mechanics posted in Proactiv Solution Philippines Facebook Page.  Customer needs to send a scanned copy of their Watsons or SM Official Receipt together with their name and contact number to any of the following addresses:

Email: customer@proactiv.com.ph
Fax No.: (02)729-4444
Regular Mail: ATTN: Proactiv Solution, 17F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. cor Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

***Top American Products Solution Inc. must receive the entry before the raffle date, October 19, 2012.  all entries received after the raffle date will be automatically disqualified.

4. Customer must buy any of the participating Proactiv kit SKUs within the prescribed promo period.  Purchases of Proactiv Kits outside the promo period are not eligible to have a raffle entry equivalent.

5.  If a customer avails of the standard limited Money Back Guarantee that comes with every Proactiv 30-day or 60-day kit, this forfeits the subsequent activation of his or her raffle ticket entry.  If the customer won and subsequently availed of the Money Back Guarantee after claiming the prize, the actual cost of the perfume and the laptop bag will be deducted to the refund value.

Every purchase of Proactiv Solution 30-day kit is equivalent to one (1) Raffle Entry and every purchase of Proactiv Solution 60-day kit is equivalent to two (2) Raffle entries.

CONDITIONS OF THE PRIZE

• The Prize is not convertible to cash and/or other Proactiv products
• Winners from Metro Manila must personally pick up the prize at Top American Products solution, Inc.,  (17F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. cor Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City) and present a valid ID and official receipt upon claiming.  
• For winners outside Metro Manila, they can claim the prize personally or request for the prizes to be mailed subject to compliance to the following conditions:

1. They need to provide a valid email address capable to receive the ff: (1) Acknowledgment Receipt, (2) Waiver of Rights for marketing promotion.  Customer must print, sign, and email back these two documents.
2. Customer must attach to this email a scanned copy of any Government issued ID, plus a close-up photo to be used for future Proactiv Solution marketing materials.
3. They need to provide the correct mailing address.  Top American Products Solutions Inc. will shoulder the mailing expense for the prizes.  Any return to sender event will forfeit the prize.
4. Failure to comply with all of these conditions for winners outside Metro Manila will cause forfeiture of prize without further notice.

PROMO RUNS FROM AUGUST 15 - OCTOBER 15, 2012

RAFFLE DATE WILL BE ON OCTOBER 19, 2012.

Moving On and Enjoy Life with Esquire

Esquire Financing Inc. (EFI) and partner CAPITALIFE Lending Inc. inaugurated their new Makati Business Center on Wednesday, August 09, 2012.  This celebration was held  in the prescence of the CEO of ESQUIRE Financing Inc. Mr. Rajan Uttamchandani and business partners.

The CAPITALIFE business center is strategically located at #315 Buendia ST. in Makati City, only 3 kilometers away from ESQUIRE Financing Inc.'s Philam Life Tower head office which was officially inaugurated in 2011.

CAPITALIFE Lending Inc. is expanding their clientele as well as their nationwide reach through ESQUIRE Financing's business affiliates  fromtheir new 2,000 sqm business center and continues to service micro loans to salaried individuals to help them get by without having to offer collateral.

Through ESQUIRE's intelligent funding, the company has helped over 20,000 micro business owners nationwide to start their dream business.

With its strategic location, custom built financing solutions and a team of financial experts; Mr. Rajan Uttamchandani says: "We tailor-fit and customize our services according to our clients' needs and requirements and we are confident that this new facility proves our commitment to our clientele and the industry as it showcases our service capabilities and financial expertise".

For more information visit esquire.com.ph/ or capitalife.ph/

Another Episode of Bronchitis

Sad to say my little boy Ivan was hospitalized for the third time due to "acute bronchitis".

The very first time, he was only 10 weeks old, just almost newly-born and my heart ached a lot seeing him with IV on his foot.  I was crying all the time because hubby is also not with us as he is working overseas.

The second hospitalization was when he was 4 months and the same diagnosis.

Just yesterday we were discharged on a 4-day stint at the hospital.  Come Saturday morning he was having severe and continuous coughing and he told me he wanted to see "lolo Regal", he meant his pediatrician Dr. Herminio Regal of Calamba Medical Center.  

When its our turn for the medical check-up, his pedia readily told me I don't like the sound of his coughing and after a through checking I was told he needs confinement.  Without need for another doctor's opinion whatever, we went back home to get our things and seek hospital admission.

There was a long wait at the hospital emergency room, as it was full of patients mostly dengue cases. It took us three (3) hours waiting time to have our ward room.  Private rooms are not even available so we settled for the ward.

still joyous after finger prick

Ivan cried for a while when the nurse put IV on him but he readily settled, though I knew he was sad because his movement then become limited.

What is Bronchitis?

What I searched on the web. Bronchitis is inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs.  Bronchitis may be short-lived (acute) or chronic meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs.  In the case of my son, he was diagnosed with "acute bronchitis", the very same disease condition from years back.

Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection. This means that bacteria infect the airways in addition to the virus.  

People at-risk for acute bronchitis include: the elderly, infants, and young children; persons with heart or lung disease; smokers

Prognosis: For acute bronchitis, symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days if you do not have an underlying lung disorder.  However, a dry hacking cough can linger for a number of months.

Complications:  Pneumonia can develop from either acute or chronic bronchitis.  If you have chronic bronchitis, you are more likely to develop recurrent respiratory infections.

I am glad my son's condition improved within a few days. During the hospital stay, he consumed 2 bags of IV, was on routine nebulization and antibiotics. On the 4th day, we were given notice of discharge by his pediatrician.  Ivan was so happy knowing we can already go home.  He told me he misses his cousins.  Also he needs to go back to school ASAP because his teacher might be looking for her.

Today I decided not to let him go back to school yet as he may still needs some rest.  I called up their school administrator to inform them why he was absent and gosh! I was told tomorrow is the first day of their first periodical examination.  I may need to start reviewing him for his lessons.

He was still on continuous medication and we're going to have a follow-up check-up in a week time.  Hopefully he will soon fully recover, it hurts mommygiay when her little boy is sick.

Spending Time with Infinity

Along with other dads and moms and their kids, we had the privileged of getting invite for an afternoon of delight with Infinity Tutorial Services (ITS).

My little boy Ivan, enjoying his free-time with different ITS activities

ITS is a customized learning for better and brighter students.  Their aim is to develop students who have critical thinking and who believe that impossible situations give us the opportunity to make them possible.

ITS Earth Room

ITS got experienced tutors who observe a teaching methodology that makes use of state of the art technology to mold and sharpen young minds, thus giving them a competitive edge.







Services they Offer.
1.  After school tutorial for Grade 1 to Grade 6 - only 12 slots per grade; Group price: P10,000/month. Hourly rate is at P350/hour.

2.  After school tutorial for High School students - only 12 slots per year level; Group price: P10,000/month. Hourly rate is at P350/hour.

3.  Early Childhood Development (Playgroup) - only 8 slots; Hourly rate is at P350/hour.

4.  Languages (ESL, Mandarin, Japenese, Korean and Spanish) - 20 hour course:  P375/hour per head

5.  Advanced English Proficiency Program - curriculum focuses on the development of English vocabulary, grammar, pronunciatiion, proper intonations and advance conversational English.

6.  Review classes (for College Entrance Tests, TOEFL, TOEIC, etc.)

Kids got a sample of the karate lesson

 7.  SPED tutorials

8.  3D lessons

9.  Ballet Classes

10. Violin Lessons

Ms. Chuckie welcoming the group

Kids listening and participating with the different acitvities

The little girls enjoying ballet lesson

What makes Infinity Tutorial Services different from other tutorial centers?

• Unique learning methodology - ITS build on students knowledge and enable them to reach for the stars by introducing supplemental curriculum in addition to reinforcing what they learned from school.  Each room also has a breakout wall where they can freely express their thoughts or solve challenging problems in a more conducive way.

• Global learning resources - ITS use books from Australia, Hongkong and USA, giving your child access to the lessons taught internationally.
• Uses state of the art technology - ITS encourage students to be tech savvy by exposing them to the tools of the future.  They have Core i5 laptops, iPad and Samsung Smart TVs with internet connectivity to complement the students learning.  They also have Xbox, Wii and Kinect.
• Twelve student classes - ITS only allow a maximum of 12 students per class so that they can focus on the needs of the students.
• 360 degrees feedback - parents are allowed to participate in the student's development anywhere, anytime through the online video feed.

At the end of the day Ivan, received the "Little Mr. Whea-Gee" Award. For his prize, he received a bottle of his favorite Whea-Gee chewables. Go here for my review.

Photo op with other dads, moms and kids

The  Infinity Tutorial Services is located at 

Units 1003 - 1006 Trade and Finance Center

7th cor. 32nd Streets, The Fort, Taguig City (near Starbucks, S&R and St. Luke's Medical Center).

email: CS@infinitytutorial.com

website: www.infinitytutorial.com 

telephone no. (02)478-5957

mobile nos. 0922-8785919; 0917-8005046

Also visit and like them on their Facebook Page.

AirAsia: Free Seat

I used to travel with Air Asia for our regular Brunei trips but shifted to Cebu Pacific when the latter started offering direct flights from Manila - Bandar Seri Begawan.

Just wanna share one of the regular Air Asia promo.  You may want to book your flight now.

Like them on Facebook or visit their website http://www.airasia.com/my/en/home.page for more information and other best deals.

He loves Whea-Gee

I discovered this brand when we attended a mommy-kiddie event. Whea-Gee is a chewable tablet made of wheat grass and colostrum.

photo taken from Whea-Gee FB album

ABOUT WHEA-GEE:

Wheatgrass in Whea-Gee Chewables cleanses, alkalizes and nourishes the body because nutrients alone aren't enough to prevent health problems from cropping up.


Wheatgrass Cleanses: it has the highest Chlorophyll content among other greens which detoxifies the blood, promotes blood production and helps heal wounds.


Wheatgrass Alkalizes: It contains more alkaline minerals than most vegetables.  Chlorophyll in wheatgrass is rich in magnesium and oxygen which helps counter excess acidity from processed foods and other unhealthy foods that your children eat.


Wheatgrass Nourishes: it's a SUPERFOOD" with 13 vitamins, 10 minerals, 17 amino acids, chlorophyll and fiber, and more than 100 types of enzymes which the body needs to function efficiently. Wheatgrass has important nutrients easily absorbed by the body which help your children achieve healthier skin, good eyesight and strong immune system.


COLOSTRUM boosts your children's growth and defenses to the next level.


Colostrum, known as the first food for new life, contains nature's perfect balance of Immune Factors and Essential Nutrients that protect your children from diseases and support their optimal growth and development.

I am glad I've found this product. My little boy Ivan now regularly takes it everyday.  Initially, he does not like the taste because it really has a green after-taste but it is supplemented by the milky taste and strawberry flavor.  He likes it so much that he almost wanted to chew one every now and then.

What I observed lately, he has increased appetite and rarely gets even the simple coughs and colds despite the erratic weather that we are always experiencing right now. 


Each bottle contains 90 pieces chewable tablet and costs P950.00.  


Visit and like them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Wheagee.

20 YEARS OF MOOSE GEAR WELCOMES ZAIJAN JARANILLA TO ITS FAMILY

Moose Gear celebrates 20 years of being one of the leading brands in kids fashion. It has definitely gone a long way when it began as it now has the Moose Girl line for girls.

Through the years, Moose Gear has established itself as one of the trendsetters in children’s fashion.  This is due in large part to the quality of its pieces and how it has provided up-to-date designs with a wide array of selections that both moms and kids alike love.  The material Moose Gear uses are made of 100% cotton fabrics that feel good on the skin. Its collection ranges from loose shirt and polos, button down polo shirts and jackets that come in classic shades to fun shades, loose and tight-fit denim jeans, and shorts in plaid and cargo styles perfect for active boys who play a lot. Boys really need clothes that can withstand their rough and tumble world. Clothes like Moose Gear are built for boys.

                                                                                   

Moose Girls clothes, on the other hand, offer the latest in young female wear.  The Moose Girl line showcases the hippest tween trends as the selection offers pieces embellished with sparkles and sequins.  These come in bright, happy colors, with top quality graphics for fashion tops, stylish shorts, leggings, pants, and skirts, which every girl want.

Aside from its fashionable clothes for kids Moose Gear and Moose Girl are also known for their brand ambassadors. The brands have been family to a lot of Goin’ Bulilit kids such as Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, Mika Dela Cruz, Angelo Garcia, Aaron Junatas.  At present, its brand ambassadors are Bugoy Carino, Izzy Canillo, Xyriel Manabat, Blythe Gorostiza and ChaCha Cañete.  And now on its 20th year, the latest addition to the Moose Gear family is no less than Zaijan Jaranilla.

Zaijan's popularity soared to great heights when he played the role of Santino in ABS-CBN's top-rating teleserye, "May Bukas Pa.' He also starred in "Noah" and "Ikaw ay Pag-ibig." Zaijan is indeed perfect for the brand that also exudes his wholesome and playful personality.  Now, he plays the lead role in "Lorenzo's Time."

Moose Gear is available in all SM and other leading department stores nationwide.  Visit its Facebook fanpage, www.facebook.com/moosegear for more product info.