Bring Back the Brown Rice Tradition

Looking back, Filipinos ate only brown rice until Westerners introduced the modern milling process that produced white, polished rice which soon dominated the market and eventually changed our cultural tradition on rice preference. Bringing back the tradition of eating brown rice can help achieve the government's goal of rice self-sufficiency in the near future while addressing the country's nutritional and health problems.
Rice is the major staple food of Filipinos, contributing about 35.7 percent of the average daily individual food intake, making it the major source of carbohydrates in the Filipino diet. White rice is the most-consumed form of rice, based on the Food Consumption Data of the 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST). 

Brown rice, however, is the form of rice that has undergone minimal milling. It is gaining popularity today primarily due to its nutritional and health benefits. It provides all the necessary carbohydrate requirements of an individual just like white rice. Its Its bran layer is a source of dietary fiber, minerals and B vitamins.

image taken from the web

Beyond its nutritional and health benefits, every Filipino eating brown rice daily may help the country achieve its vision of rice self-sufficiency. 

Production of brown rice reduces the power demand needed in polishing and whitening by as much 65 percent. More so, with the bran and the embryo intact and fewer broken grains, whole grain-milling recovery is as much as 10 percent higher than for white rice. Thus, with higher recovery of milling and consumption of brown rice, our national rice importation requirement may be reduced.
The DOST, through the FNRI, is leading the research and development on brown rice to determine the various aspects of improving the stability and shelf-life of brown rice. With this, brown rice can be stored at a longer period with no significant changes in nutrient composition and sensory qualities. Longer shelf-life provides ample time for developing value-added products that can provide healthier options for consumers. 
Related to this, the FNRI-DOST has successfully determined in 2012 the optimum conditions for extending the shelf-life of brown rice so that it can now be stored from 5-9 months instead of only 1-4 months. Storage of brown rice is a major problem among rice millers. But with the S&T solution being offered by the FNRI-DOST, our rice producers may soon be more confident in supplying brown rice in the market knowing it can last longer, compete with other types of rice and cost-efficient to produce. 
In terms of nutritional value, initial analysis shows that a serving of cooked brown rice can provide the daily recommended energy and nutrient intake (RENI) of an adult 19 years old and above by 10 percent of energy, 7 percent protein, 2 percent calcium, 5 percent iron, and 16 percent zinc. The dietary fiber can also satisfy about 8 percent of the recommended intake. Underway are efficacy studies to verify the health claims associated with the consumption of brown rice. 
Thus, bringing back the tradition of eating brown rice not only improves every Filipino's health and nutrition, but also helps the economy at large by reducing our rice importation requirement on the agricultural side, and the problems of malnutrition on the health side. 
For more information about brown rice and other information on food and nutrition, you may contact: 

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana

Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute

Department of Science and Technology

Bicutan, Taguig City

Trunkline: 837-2071 local 2296 or 2287

Telephone/Fax No.: 837-3164

e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph 

(FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press Release- CHARINA A. JAVIER)

Department of Transporatation and Communications (DOTC) Calls For Technology-Based Proposals To Solve Illegal Bus Operations

Seeking to solve wide-ranging issues caused by the illegal operations of buses and other public utility vehicles, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are resorting to modern technology, in line with a strong Anti-Colorum campaign.

In a Request for Information (RFI) published earlier this week (May 14, 2013), the DOTC called for proposals from the public regarding “available technology-based solutions” such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Smart Cards.

The RFI indicated that the primary purposes for this effort are to monitor the movements of both registered and unregistered or unauthorized public utility vehicles, to apprehend illegally-operating vehicles real-time, and to maintain a database containing relevant information on traffic violations, among others.

“The colorum problem has many implications – from simple traffic congestion, to commuter safety, environmental pollution, and quality of life. What we’re looking for is an integrated system which makes the best use of progressive technology-based solutions to curb these problem areas,” said DOTC spokesperson Migs Sagcal.

One-on-one meetings to discuss project concepts will be held at the DOTC offices on May 28 and June 4, 2013, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Interested parties may reserve one-hour slots with the DOTC and the LTFRB by contacting the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Project Development through telephone no.(02)725 0013.

Cheers to Good Times with Carlo Rossi

I used to work as a researcher. Our group is involved in the conduct of studies related to food and nutrition. Part of our job is preparation of research proposals for presentation to our prospective donors. Therefore it entails sleepless nights and overtime duties to meet deadlines. During presentation proper, I always felt nervous whether our project will be approved?

Have you ever been in this situation? 

Everyone's worried and anxious—waiting for the result of your presentation. You haven't slept properly for days working on that pitch. Then your phone rings. You almost drop it since you've been running on coffee all day. You're nervous but you answer. Yes! You win the client and everyone in the office starts buzzing, then screaming. You deserve to party. Go and celebrate this good time with your team! 

“Partying is our way of saying ‘yahoo’ and expressing our delight in achieving success. Since the leap is very important to us, our way of celebration should be something that we will remember together with that accomplishment,” says Von de Torres, Managing Director, Emperador Distillers. 

De Torres believes that partying over wine makes good times even better. “There are so many things in common about wine and happiness. As an American Chef-Author, Julia Child would put it, wine is one of the agreeable and essential ingredients of life. We all agree to happiness and its essence in our life so as with wine in important celebrations.”

But in order to have a real good time, be sure to get only the real and fine wine. People could all agree that only with fine wine can celebrations be truly enjoyed so it should be wine that gives authentic world-class flavor that special moments deserve. It should be something that doesn’t only fit the occasion but a high-quality wine that suits the taste.

Emperador Distillers brings Rossi Sweet Red, a sweet red wine crafted from grapes grown in California’s sun-drenched vineyards and bursting with flavor and aroma, for your cheers to good times. It has layers of vanilla, bright cherry and wild raspberry flavor creating a different kind of sweetness. 

“Yes it is sweet but remains a real wine. It’s that different kind of sweetness that makes it unique but authentic. This is how real red wine should be. You can only expect such authenticity from the number one table wine in the world.”

De Torres warns against unauthentic sweet wines. “They’re basically bottled with very low alcohol content and lots of sweeteners, which is a far cry from authentic Rossi,” she says, adding that Rossi Sweet Red was specifically created to be sweet and be consumed cold, “As in with ice.”

One can already hear the purists scoffing but wine on-the-rocks is already becoming a trend in the US. Rossi Sweet Red, in particular, is recommended to be enjoyed with ice.

The ice, De Torres said, brings out the flavor and makes for a smoother finish and doesn’t compromise the taste and actually makes it even better. Even if the ice melts, the taste stays perfect so everyone can savor all the sweetness and real wine flavor.

So celebrate sweet victories, big or small—winning a pitch, wedding engagements, graduations, having a baby—with a wine that is just as sweet and a bit more refreshing. These are good times worth partying for. There’s a reason to be happy and to celebrate everyday. Whether baby steps or big leaps, you can always cheers to good times with Rossi Sweet Red.

Bask in Boracay for Free with the Whole family!

As if summer couldn’t get any hotter, here’s a fantastic family treat that will make your temperature really soar – with excitement! 


Banana Boat sunscreen lotion, invites all its users and Facebook fans to join its latest promo that can take them for free to the sunny, sandy beaches of Boracay. 

Ongoing until May 31, 2013 is the Banana Boat Great Outdoor Fun – Boracay, which gives you and your whole family the chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for four to this fab getaway site.

Joining is so easy. All Facebook fans of Banana Boat Philippines can register for the contest through the Facebook app located at https://www.facebook.com/BananaBoatPhilippines/app_622349147791423. 

Upload family photos that show how to have a great outdoor fun with a bottle of Banana Boat sunscreen lotion included in the shot. Put out as many photos as you like, and add some witty and creative captions to better your chances of winning.


Once these photos appear in the Banana Boat Philippines Page timeline, you must share them in your own Facebook wall.

Invite your friends to vote for any of your photos in the fan page site. The top five entries will be short-listed and judged by Banana Boat Philippines based on the number of votes, and the winning family will get an all-expense-paid trip for four, inclusive of airfare, hotel accommodations and tour. There will also be four consolation cash prizes of P3,000 each, plus Banana Boat gift packs to all winners.

So show the world how much fun you can have with Banana Boat, and have the chance to fly for free to Boracay. With Banana Boat sunscreen lotion’s unique AvoTriplex technology, you can have much more fun under the sun as it provides longer lasting and more effective protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

Banana Boat sunscreen lotions are available in supermarkets, drugstores and health and beauty stores nationwide. For more info, visit http://www.bananaboat.com.ph/BB/ or like its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BananaBoatPhilippines.

Happy Mothers Day

To all my mom readers, Happy Mothers Day everyone.

Chat with your loved ones via SMS with the new Sun iMessenger

I have always been a Sun Cellular subscriber for the last 10 years because personally I find it easy to use. It has wide range of services, the signal in my area is strong and clear. Most of all, it offers very affordable rates and this is the one I am using to get in touch with my hubby who works overseas.

Unlike before, gone are the days when you had to spend a fortune in phone bills or on mobile internet fees to keep in touch with friends and family around the world. There is now a single service that integrates all the popular web chat platforms and makes it a snap to send messages and chat on any phone model worldwide.

Launched in 2006 and now wildly popular, Sun iMessenger is a breakthrough service that makes it possible to communicate with anyone from anywhere in the world, as long as they’re a Sun mobile subscriber. To do this, SunIM uses the text messaging feature of a phone, translating mobile chat into text messages seamlessly, and giving regular cellular phone users access to a service that would usually only be available to people with smart phones.

The service also allows you to send messages using your laptop, smart phone, or computer. It integrates several platforms: Yahoo Messenger, Facebook chat, MSN, AIM, ICQ, and, just recently, Gmail chat, making all your accounts available to you on one sign-in page. It is, to date, the only platform to do so. 

Getting SUNiM service on your phone cannot be simpler. There’s nothing that you need to download and install, and there are no complicated codes to punch in. All a user has to do is to text SUNiM to 2746 from a phone using a Sun Cellular sim card. After a few minutes, you will receive clear, step-by-step instructions to help you get started. 

SUNiMis also very affordable. To celebrate the first day of your SUNiM subscription, the first 24 hours will be completely free of charge. To top it off, if you invite your friends to use Sun iMessenger, you can also get free internet hours. For regular text replies, Sun iM only charges P 0.50, even less than a regular text message. But if you’d like to stay connected all day, there’s an option that gives you unlimited access for 24 hours, for only P20! Other payment options are P100 for seven days and P300 for a month. There are no hidden charges or extra fees, as users are charged only for messages that they reply to or for the time that they buy. Because of this, Sun iM is currently the most cost-effective chat mobile service available. 
With Sun iM, you don’t have to wait in front of a computer to catch messages, or spend so much to send and receive them. It’s easy to use, very affordable, and best of all, it allows you to be reached anytime of the day, anywhere you are, through your choice of platform.

For more details, Text SUNIM to 2746 or visit www.sim.ph

Bloggers Wanted - Back to School Blast Event

Back to School Blast Event

Hosted by: Mom Powered Media

Prize: $1,000 in Gift Cards up for grabs!

Event dates: 7/1 - 8/1

Free Blogger Event: Sign Up HERE

MOMS Deserve to be Beautiful

Mothers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without day-off, without excuse to be absent or get sick.

Here's a special treat for all of us from Air Asia Cafe as they continuously provide appreciation to all their customers. A rewards treat and a wonderful dining experience.

Get a FREE Slimmers World Gift Certificate worth P1,500.00 for every P500.00 single receipt purchase at Air Asia Cafe located at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, Clark Field Pampanga, Philippines.

Promotion is valid until 12 May 2013 or until supply lasts.

AirAsia Cafe operated by Manila Catering Corporation.

See you at #iBlog9: The 9th Philippine Blogging Summit

I've never been to any iBlog event yet and hopefully this will be my first one. I've discovered and been blogging for almost 2 years now and I would really like to learn from the experts.
iBlog9: The 9th Philippine Blogging Summit (#iblog9) will be on May 31 and June 1, 2013 at the Malcolm Theater, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City from 8 am to 5 pm.




Note that the first 300 registered participants to come early (on or before 9 am) will be given food stub and participant kit. Afterwards, remaining food stubs and participant kits shall be given to early walk-ins.

iBlog9 is a 2-day FREE event. The first day (May 31) is targeted for bloggers, marketers, businesses and entrepreneurs wanting to understand how to tap blogs as a medium to promote their products and services. Also as a means to generate income. Day 1 also tackles advance topics on blogging – taking blogs to the next level.
The second day (June 1) is meant to everyone interested about blogging.

REGISTER NOW!

Day 1 AGENDA (May 31)

9:00 to 9:20 Flag ceremony, prayer, participant intro (limited)

9:20 – 9:40 Understanding the Blogger Psyche
(Jonel Uy, BloggerCircles.com)

9:50 to 10:10 Blogging as an effective Content Marketing Tool for Businesses 
(Ben Francia, http://www.benfrancia.com)

10:20 to 10:35 break

10:35 – 10:55 Empowerment in Digital Marketing
(Grace Bondad Nicolas, www.empoweredgrace.blogspot.com)

11:05 – 11:25 Working with brands either for your business or advocacy, and even both
(Jeoffrey Solas, www.liberatingjepoy.com)

11:35 to 11:55 Sponsor Talk: Sun iMessenger: blog marketing case study
(Louie Oviedo, President & CEO of Greetings Unlimited Inc.)

12:05 to 1:05 Lunch break

1:05 – 1:25 How to Get the Influencers Write About Your Startup
(Jonha Revesencio, http://ijustdid.org)

1:35 – 1:55 Bloggers and political organizations – the road to 2016
(Mark Pere Madrona, rightonthemark.wordpress.com)

2:05 – 2:25 Fighting corruption online and offline
(Angel Bombarda, www.bantay.ph)

2:35 to 2:55 Income & Opportunities through Blogging
(Khoa Bui, www.secretsentrepreneur.com)

3:05 to 3:20 BREAK

3:20 to 3:40 Bloggers as Digital Influencers
(Janette Toral, DigitalFilipino.com)

4:00 sponsor raffle, shirts raffle, and group photo

REGISTER NOW!
DAY 2 AGENDA (June 1)

9:00 to 9:20 Flag ceremony, prayer, participant intro (limited)

9:20 to 9:40 Blogging and Social Thought Leadership
(Jason Cruz, http://jsncruz.com/)

9:50 to 10:10 Why do we blog?
(Wendell Glenn Cagape, www.journeysandtravels.com)

10:20 to 10:35 break

10:35 to 10:55 The Art of Interviewing & Quoting
(Arvin Ello, http://www.vintersections.com)

11:05 to 11:25 Blogging and Social Media Goodness
(Carlo Angelo Gonzales, http://carloangelogonzales.com)

11:35 to 11:55 Sponsor Talk

12:05 to 1:05 Lunch

1:05 to 1:25 Building your Identity as a Video Blogger
(Randolph Novino, http://pinoyscreencast.net)

1:35 to 1:55 The Rise of the Mommy bloggers in the Philippines
(Rhodora Espiritu-Valdez, http://deliberatelymom.blogspot.com/)

2:05 to 2:25 Avoiding Information Redundancy
(Jay Agonoy, http://deremoe.com)

2:35 to 2:55 Working as a homebased blogger
(Christian Melanie Lee, www.eccentricyethappy.info)

3:05 to 3:20 Break

3:20 to 3:40 Q&A Legal Issues in Blogging
(Atty. JJ Disini, Disini.ph)

4:00 to 4:20 The Future of Blogging: Greater or Less Influence?
(Manuel L. Quezon III, http://quezon.ph)

4:30 sponsor raffle, shirts raffle, and group photo

EMCEE: Flow Galindez

100 FREE Movie Passes: Ayos Di Ba?

Iron Man 3, The Wolverine, Man of Steel, Fast and the Furious 6 –are all movies to watch out for in the coming months. Now you can get a chance to watch them for free by simply posting an ad on AyosDito.ph 

This May, Team AyosDito.ph, in cooperation with SM Cinema, will be giving away 100 Free Movie Passes weekly beginning April 30 to June 2, 2013. This really makes it a “MasAyosDito!” selling experience on AyosDito.ph.

“AyosDito.ph aims to build a strong and educated Online Buy and Sell culture in the Philippines,” AyosDito.ph General Manager, Jon Santico said. “Our purpose is to attract quality advertisers, both private and professionals, and to provide a safe, convenient and memorable buying and selling experience for all our users.”

“We want to teach our advertisers especially our private sellers to talk about their ads more so they can also sell their items fasters. To achieve this, we partnered with SM Cinema, to reward out popular ads weekly,” Santico added. 

1. To join, simply post an ad on AyosDito.ph.

2. Once your ad has been approved,publicly share it on Facebook via the Share on Facebook button on your ad page.

3. Each week, the Ten Most Viewed Ads will be selected by Team AyosDito.ph. The ten (10) winners will then be announced on AyosDito.ph Facebook Page every Tuesday at 4PM. Winners will be announced following the schedule below:

Week 1: May 7, 2013

Week 2: May 14, 2013

Week 3: May 21, 2013

Week 4: May 28, 2013

Week 5: June 4, 2013

4. Anyone can share AyosDito.ph ads but only the ad owner will be qualified to win FREE Movie passes.

5. Metro Manila (NCR) winners can claim their passes at AyosDito.ph Makati office. Provincial winners’ prizes will be mailed.

6. The movie passes may be redeemed at any SM Cinema.

7. Employees of 701 Search Inc. and its suppliers, partner agencies and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity are not qualified for this promo.

For more information, visit www.AyosDito.ph.

About AyosDito:
AyosDito.ph, ang buy and sell ng bayan, is a website for safe, hassle-free and fun online buy and sell experience. We sort our buy and sell pages by region, province and city, so you are assured of a convenient and dedicated ad service every time you shop. AyosDito.ph is a product of 701 Search Inc, a joint venture between international media organizations: Singapore Press Holdings Limited and Schibsted ASA.

Like us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/ayosdito.ph

Follow on Twitter: @ayosdito.ph

Follow on Instagram: @ayosdito.ph

OUT FOR A NIGHT TIME RUN: ENERGIZER NIGHT RACE FOR SAFE AND ECO-FRIENDLY LIGHTS

Nowadays, running is more than run in itself. Runners are now attracted to the varieties that of life that this fitness sport offers.

Variety is the spice of life, and the same is true for runners, who also like to mix things up in regard to their routine and their training. This need for variation extends all the way to the events and competitions in which runners participate.

To satisfy different quirks and fancies, event organizers have explored a multitude of ways to keep the running community on their toes. This includes running competitions with added obstacles, on off-road tracks and, most recently, holding races at night.

Competitive racing in the dead of night certainly adds a different dimension to the running experience. Being enveloped by darkness requires runners to be more sensitive to the slightest conditions on the road, demanding complete focus and undivided attention. Preparations in the run-up to competition also vary. Training regimen, as well as prep time, tend to differ, too, which only adds to the challenge.

Local runners have already had the pleasure of trying out night races through different competitions already hosted here in the Philippines. This night race craze, however, started in 2011 with one event, the Energizer Night Race.

That race was part of Energizer’s bigger initiative called the “Energizer Night Race for a Brighter World”, a series of nighttime running events held around the world including countries in Africa, Europe, North and South America, and throughout Asia. Over 75,000 participants joined the more than 30 Energizer Night Races held in 20 countries across the globe.

The magnitude of the event’s success, transcended more than mere numbers. This global night race has served as an effective vehicle in raising awareness of the world’s need for safe, clean, and affordable solar lighting. “It’s hard to believe that in this day and age that there are still around 1.3 billion people deprived of electricity and clean lighting,” says Energizer’s Brand Manager, Joan Mendoza. “This event is just one way in which Energizer can bring this issue forth and be addressed for the benefit of less fortunate communities all over the world.”

Running at night guided only by Energizer LED Headlamps, runners get a sense of how important light is. Usually taken for granted in developed areas, light and clean energy are extremely valuable in off-the-grid communities. They dictate a child’s capacity to learn, an adult’s ability to work, and the community’s maximum functionality. They also help promote personal health and the environment by lessening carbon emissions made by alternative light sources such as candles, kerosene lamps, and firewood.

The need for efficient and eco-friendly lighting has led Energizer to partner with One Million Lights (OML), a nonprofit organization that shares the same goal of providing rural communities around the world with the gift of light. Since 2011, Energizer and OML have donated 23 million hours’ worth of light through Energizer Solar-Powered LED flashlights and lamps to different remote communities in Latin America, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Philippines.

Energizer’s efforts to put the issue of light and energy in perspective are part of their “That’s Positivenergy™” campaign that serves as the company’s platform to show its commitment to performance and responsibility. This means providing consumers with durable and energy efficient products for everyday needs.

Running has been an effective way of gathering the public’s support for worthy causes, from community health and fitness to environmental advocacies. By immersing runners in the kind of situations individuals in remote, off-the-grid communities go through, the company hopes participants look beyond the event and appreciate and support what it stands for.

To alleviate the lack of energy and light in far-flung communities, Energizer again strengthens its drive by calling out running and fitness enthusiasts to join in the cause by participating in this year’s Energizer Night Race Manila. The race will be held on May 4, 2013 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig with the help of partners GMA Network and Schick.

Registration is on-going until April 30, 2013 at BROOKS SM North EDSA, RUNNR Bonifacio High Street, and Toby’s Sports EDSA Shangri-la, Glorietta, and SM Mall of Asia. For more information about the race, visit www.energizerglobalnightrace.com.

Event: Photo Ready Giveaway

This is a giveaway just perfect for the photo enthusiast. 

A complete set of gadgets just for you.

Welcome to the Photo Ready Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Please take a moment to say hello to our sponsor: Giveaway Booster

Have a giveaway? Great! Now, how do you get the word out about your giveaway? Of course you want to reach more than just your audience right?!

Giveaway Booster was created to help you reach a larger audience to promote your giveaways. Give your giveaway a BOOST through email, blogs, and all forms of social media!

Giveaway Booster offers several services:

Promote Your Giveaway - Submit your giveaway, sweepstakes or contests and they will promote them! You can even have your giveaway promoted on several sites!
List Your Giveaway Event - Bloggers do you need more bloggers to help you promote an event you are planning? List your giveaway for other bloggers to sign up.
Join Giveaway Events - Are you a blogger looking to join all these great events? Sign-up to offer your readers these great giveaways and grow your social media in the process.
Fans Enter Giveaways - Do you love to enter giveaways? Enter to win!!

Now let's talk about the fabulous prize package which includes:

Canon EOS REBEL T4i 18.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 3-inch Touchscreen and Full HD Movie Mode (Body) - Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Zoom Lens - Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens - Telephoto & Wide Angle Lens Set - 3 pc Filter Kit: UV/ Polarizing filter/Fluorescent correction & Case - 32 Gigabyte SDHC Secure Digital Memory Card - Secure Digital USB Card Reader - Universal Memory Card Wallet - Pack of LCD Screen Protectors - Additional LP-E8 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Replacement Battery Pack - Well Protective SLR Camera Gadget Bag w/Pockets & Strap - Full Size 59" Tripod W/Case - Focus DVD Guide to Digital SLR Cameras - Focus Digital Grey Card Set for color correction - Focus 5pc Deluxe Lens Care & Cleaning Kit - HDMI cable

Special thank you to our lovely co-hosts {make sure to stop by and say hello}: Thinking Outside The Sandbox, Tiny Tidbits of an NC Diva, What's Up Reviews and Giveaways, 3 Boys and a Dog, Panlasang Pinoy Filipino Recipes, Mom to Bed by 8, Baby Costcutters and Powered By Mom.

One lucky winner will receive the Canon EOS REBEL T4i Prize Package {detailed above}!

Giveaway ends May 14th at 11:59pm, open worldwide residents, ages 18+. Residents outside of the US will receive a $750 Amazon GC instead. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. GIAY TO THE WORLD is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

The Crocs Yacht Trip with Laureen Uy

Hey everyone, wanna enjoy your summer to its fullness, then here's something for you.

Get a chance to be part of a Yacht adventure at one of Asia’s key cities with Crocs on a 3-night voyage for 2, tailor-made for you by Crocs’ ambassador and stylist, Laureen Uy. A treat fit for a king filled with activities at Marina Bay Sands Casino, Raffles Hotel, and a shop-til-you-drop experience along the shopping district, Orchard Road. Get mesmerized by the beautiful view of Singapore city from the high seas on a sailing trip aboard the Crocs Yacht. An experience like no other that you stand a chance to win by playing Run Sailor Run! on Facebook.

Log on to www.runsailorrun.com/ph and play this latest online game from Crocs, as it shows you how fun and free you can be in its latest Beach Line collection. It’s as easy as 1-2-3, just collect coins as you run along, but don’t forget to dodge obstacles and collect bonuses. Get the gang to join in the fun, too, as the more friends you invite, the bigger chances of winning.

The Run Sailor Run! online game officially launches starting May 9. The chance to win this awesome trip and other mother prizes ends on May 26, so better not miss out.

About Crocs, Inc.

Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for men, women and children with more than $1 billion in annual revenue. The company offers several distinct shoe collections with more than 300 four-season footwear styles. All Crocs™ shoes feature Croslite™ material, a proprietary, revolutionary technology that gives each pair of shoes the soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking and odor-resistant qualities that Crocs wearers know and love. Crocs fans can walk in comfort wear in style with every pair of shoes, from the iconic clog to new sneakers, sandals, boots and heels. Since its inception in 2002, Crocs has sold more than 200 million pairs of shoes in more than 90 countries around the world.

Get social with Crocs – http://www.crocs.com.ph/, https://www.facebook.com/crocsph, https://twitter.com/crocsPH

DOTC AFCS Project Attracted Business Interests

image from the web

The Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) is a proposed project of the Department of Transportation and Communication with the aim of facilitating an efficient passenger transfer to the other rail lines and therefore reduce the inconvenience caused by ticket payment delays. It will also involved the decommissioning of the old magnetic-based ticketing system and replacing it with contactless-based smart card technology. The ultimate objective is to increase fare collection efficiency by reducing leakage and fraud.

A total of nine (9) consortiums involving major local and foreign conglomerates, banks, and IT companies submitted eligibility documents to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) last Friday (April 12), in an effort to qualify as bidders for the P 1.72-Billion Contactless Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) Public-Private Partnership Project. 
“We are very pleased with the investor turnout for the AFCS Project. Serious players from the transportation, IT, banking, and retail industries – both local and foreign – all came out to seek pre-qualification to participate in the bidding of the project,” the Transport Department said. 
The DOTC believes that this is proof of high investor confidence in the project, as well as in the agency itself. 

“The fact that these major groups want to be the our private sector partner for the AFCS Project only goes to show their trust and confidence in the Department, and in our open, fair, and transparent bidding process,” added the DOTC. The 9 consortiums which submitted their qualification documents are: 

• AF Consortium, composed of BPI Card Finance Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Smart Communications, Inc., Globe Telecom, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and NTT Data Corporation. 

    AF Consortium will also rely on the required experience of 

    Bank of the Philippine Islands, Octopus Transactions Ltd., 

    SMRT International Pte. Ltd., Cubic Transportation Systems 

    Australia) Pty. Ltd., Accenture, Inc., MSI Global Private 

    Ltd., and Indra Sistemas, S.A.

• Comworks Consortium, composed of Comworks, Inc., Philippine Gaming Management Corp., Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp., Acer, Inc., Infochamp Systems, Corp., and Berjaya Philippines, Inc.

• E-Trans Solutions Joint Venture, Inc. Consortium, composed of Tera Investments, Inc., Eastwest Banking Corp., Sagesoft Solutions, Inc., Pilipinas Micro-Matrix Technology (PMT Joint Venture), Inc., and Pulsar Avancer Technologie, Inc. 

    E-Trans Consortium will also rely on the required experience 

    of Kentkart EGE Elektronik San. Ve Tic. A.S., Kentkart 

    Marmara Elektronik Turizm San. Ve Tic. A.S., Kentkart 

    Cukurova Elektronik San. Ve Tic. A.S., and JTKC Equities, 

    Inc.

• Lamco Consortium, composed of Lamco Paper Products Co., Inc., New San Jose Builders, Inc., Landbank of the Philippines, and NEC Philippines, Inc. 

    Lamco Consortium will also rely on the required experience of 

    Busan Transport Corp. and Samwon FA Co., Ltd.

• Mega Lucky United Consortium, composed of Asia United Bank Corporation, Dignitas Equity, Mega Cellular Network, Inc., and Gravitas 777. 

    Mega Lucky Consortium will also rely on the required 

    experience of Korea Smart Card Corp. and LG CNS Co. Ltd. 

• Megawide-Suyen-Eurolink Consortium, composed of Megawide Construction Corp., Suyen Corp., and Eurolink Network International Corp. 

    Megawide-Suyen-Eurolink Consortium will also rely on the 

    required experience of EZ-Link Pte. Ltd. and China National 

    Software and Service Co., Ltd. 

• MTD-PRLM Consortium, composed of MTD Capital BHD and Puregold Realty Leasing and Management, Inc. 

    MTD-PRLM Consortium will also rely on the required experience 

    of Puregold Price Club, Inc., Maybank Philippines, Inc., and 

    Transit Link Pte. Ltd. 

• San Miguel Transport Solutions Consortium, composed of Optimal Infrastructure Development, Inc., Catchweight Holdings, Inc., Deltacrest Holdings, Inc., and Allcard Plastics Philippines, Inc. 

    San Miguel Consortium will also rely on the required 

    experience of Petron Corp., Philippine National Bank, 

    Singapore Technologies Electronics, Ltd., Korea Railroad 

    Corp., Korail Networks Co., Ltd., Vix Technology (East Asia), 

    Ltd., and San Miguel Corporation. 

• SM Consortium, composed of SM Investments Corp., BDO Capital and Investment Corp., Advanced Card Systems, Ltd., and Pentacapital Investment Corp. 

    SM Consortium will also rely on the required experience of SM 

    Retail, Inc., BDO Unibank, Inc., and Goldsign Data Company, 

    Ltd. 

The joint DOTC-LRTA Pre-Qualification, Bids, and Awards Committee PBAC) has a maximum of twenty-five (25) days from April 12 to evaluate the qualification documents submitted by the 9 consortiums, and to announce the shortlisted groups. Actual bidding is scheduled to take place in the third quarter of this year. 

Laguindingan Airport Opening Delayed

I am just so excited with the upcoming opening of the Laguindingan Airport, the first international airport that will served mainly the areas of Misamis Oriental and its nearby provinces in Northern Mindanao. This newly constructed airport is located on a 4.17 square kilometer site at Brgy. Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. This will replace the present old Lumbia airport of Cagayan de Oro City, and is intended to boost economic activities within the region as well.

However, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) recently announced that it has decided to push back the transfer of the gateway to Northern Mindanao from the old Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City to the new P 7.8-Billion Laguindingan Airport by one-and-a-half months to June 15, 2013, in order to avoid disrupting passengers’ travel plans over the summer. 

The Transport Department has conducted a walk-through at the Laguindingan Airport and was very pleased with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) preparations for the intended April 30 opening. However, CAAP has received requests from airline companies to postpone the transfer until after the summer peak season, because the April 30 opening would require the cancellation of several daily trips. 

According to the airline companies, their representatives were encountering difficulties in reaching a substantial number of passengers who had already purchased tickets for flights in April and May, to inform them of changes in their flight itineraries. 

“It is in the best interest of the government and of the airlines to deliver safe and convenient services to the public,” said the DOTC. “As we took stock of the assessment of both CAAP and the airline companies that the Laguindingan Airport is already a safer alternative to the Lumbia Airport, we again listen to their inputs saying that postponing the transfer will be better for passenger convenience.” 

“The postponement will give the airlines ample time to inform their customers of their new flight schedules at Laguindingan Airport. This will lessen the possibility of disrupting travel plans and causing inconvenience to the riding public,” added the DOTC. 

The airlines which operate at Cagayan de Oro are Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, and Zest Air. They serve a combined total average of over 2,000 passengers daily. 

The Laguindingan Airport is a key infrastructure project which is crucial to unlocking the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor to more tourism- and agriculture-oriented activities. 

The government has previously announced that it will be temporarily operated by CAAP using Visual Flight Rules (VFR) until its air navigation equipment is fully in place by May 2014.

Everyday Essentials for a Healthy Body

As a health conscious mom, it is but necessary for me that I always provide something healthy for my family to keep them safe.

Keeping your body fit is a lifetime commitment and a year-round activity. But it doesn’t get as much attention as it does during the summer months, when our bodies are displayed in full glory –showing how much we have cared for, or neglected, the daily essentials to keep fit and healthy.

Let’s start with your head. A sound mind is the first step to a healthy body, and this is the one part we most often neglect. Think positive and surround yourself with people and things that reinforce your strengths and correct your weaknesses.

Next, have a happy heart. We don’t just mean the one beating and keeping you alive, although this is important too. Find inspiration in simple things to keep you going –when you are inspired, you will perspire for whatever it is you aspire to.

Involve your entire body. Now that you have your head and heart covered, it’s time to turn yourself outward. Eat well, exercise, and get your body moving. You may not see the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle now, but it will catch up with you sooner or later.

Tying them all together – is keeping everything clean. From having a clear mind to reach for your goals, a clear heart free of worry, and a clean bodyfit for every challenge. Do this with a daily routine to clear and clean all three – free up some time for yourself, connect with others, and drink only water that keeps you inspired to reach for your goals. 

Keeping yourself hydrated is important in naturally replenishing the required fluids to keep your body, mind, and heart clear. Not only does it help circulate blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your system, it also helps your body quickly and easily metabolize,detoxify, and function.

Summit Natural Drinking Water is your partner in your quest for a healthy body, mind, and heart, helping you reach your goalsby keeping you healthy and hydrated. Reach for it and scale the summit of a healthier, better you.

Share the Summer Goodness with Everyone! Share Nestea RTD!

Its getting hotter and hotter as we come to experience the true summer heat.  

Summertime, and the living is easy, and nowhere is summer living easier than in the Philippines. With PAGASA predicting that the heat can go up to 35˚C, it’s now the time to look for the hottest things to cool you down for the season.

Plan a trip with friends and family – with numerous holidays and long weekends coming up, now is the perfect time to take advantage without dipping into your bank of leaves.

Explore new activities. Be adventurous and go for a hike, camp in the forest, climb a mountain, or better yet, learn a new skill. Because summer time is family time, it’s the chance to bond and catch up with the whole family, while recharging your brain cells too.

Start exercising. It’s never too late to get a beach-ready body, especially in a tropical country. Look for fun activities that will keep you interested, and update them regularly. This lowers your chances of getting bored, and increases your body’s resistance as well.

Lastly, find creative ways to cool down. There could be nothing else cooler than having a refreshing drink right at your hand. Escape the scorching heat with Nestea Ready-To-Drink, the ultimate summer companion this summer. Why fear the heat when you can enjoy the heat with Nestea Ready-To-Drink iced tea to give you that instant, refreshed feeling you’ll love.

The convenient and classic iced tea bottled up in our memories is back. Taste the mouthwateringly cool Nestea Ready-To-Drink with variants that contain an extra delight you can bring when you’re on the go. It comes in three exciting flavors, Lemon, Lemon Ice, and Apple. Be among the first to enjoy the splash of Nestea Ready-To-Drink at its re-launch at Nestea Beach, Boracay.

The 16th Nestea Beach from April 18-21, and combine all these tips in one exciting go. Come with friends and family to bare your beach bod and catch the country’s hottest bands, celebrities, and international DJs partying from sun up to sun down to celebrate this summer’s theme: Ang Sarap, Ang Gaan. Expect exciting activities and prizes as you celebrate the season of the sun, sea, sand and skin.

In addition, watch the intense spikes of the country’s greatest collegiate volleyball teams as they face the finals of Nestea Beach Volley to be held at Crystal Sand Resort, Boracay this April 19 to 21.

So what are you waiting for? Bring the whole barkada with you, and don’t forget your ultimate summer companion, Nestea Ready-to-Drink, Plunge Anywhere, especially at the beach.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nestea.ph.

True Blends The Strip Opens with a FREE Upgrade Promo

I discovered milk tea during my Brunei and Malaysian travels and I came to like it because its a lot different than drinking the usual hot tea. So glad that it has also evolved over the years with choices of flavors that makes it more exciting to drink besides its health benefits.

For over centuries, tea has been established to be a drink that reaps much health benefits. Its antioxidant property provides a perfect medium for detoxifying one’s body from the toxins concealed in the cocktail of foods being consumed daily and has been associated with a lower risk of any type of cancer. Its soothing effect can calm the most anxious mind and uplift the gloomiest mood. And for weight watchers, tea has also been found to help out in weight reduction and even on lowering cholesterol. 

But despite the growing popularity of tea as one of the main culprits for longevity among the Asians, many would shy away from the drink because of the bitter, bland taste of tea. While some would appreciate the distinct taste of tea, most people would prefer refreshing drinks with a more umami and sweet taste to quench their thirst. 

Because of the mismatch between the health wonders and the unpleasant taste of tea, many innovations have been created, and one of them is the creation of the designer tea-based drinks widely available today. Milk teas are tea-based drinks with added milk and customized flavourings to mask the bitter taste of tea and to add a stronger umami taste into the blend. Fruit teas are fruit-flavoured tea drinks that add sweet, citrus flavours into the bitterness of tea, creating a more refreshing aftertaste into the drink. 

Over the years, a lot of milk tea joints have opened to cater to the different taste preferences of Filipinos. But because preference can vary from one person to another, one tea blend may work for some and but not for everyone. Taking this into consideration, True Blends The Strip Branch decided to embark on a milk tea store that allows customers to modify their tea drinks to their own liking. Although the store offers the usual sugar and ice level modifications, the store goes an extra mile with their teas served with a detachable lid cover so that customers who found their choice of sugar level to be unsatisfying can get their drinks corrected. 

But that isn’t all that True Blends The Strip Branch offers. With the store’s reasonable pricing, milk tea lovers can get their daily dose of milk tea for as low as 50 php with a free pearl add-on and a complimentary sandwich for as low as 45php. Even the store’s known bestsellers, the cheese cloud series can be availed for less 100php. Because of the affordable pricing, the store allows its customers a regular refuge from the summer heat and helps its consumers acquire the health benefits of tea. 

Not a tea-drinker? True Blends The Strip Branch also offers non-tea beverages such as its yakult series consisting of yakult-blended drinks and Italian sodas. And like any other café, coffee and hot chocolate drinks are also available for customers to enjoy. Feeling hungry? Customers don’t have to worry about an empty stomach as the store also serves sausages with many sauces to choose from and a variety of sandwiches from the ordinary TLC (tomatoes, lettuce, cheese) sandwich to the unique peanut butter-banana sandwich. 

As a newly opened milk tea store, True Blends The Strip Branch is very active in its Facebook fanpage as it seeks to encourage people to enjoy the goodness of tea. By liking the fanpage, the store provides its fans information about their current and future promos and perks to keep the milk tea love on the high. And as a celebration for their soft opening last April 6, 2013, the store is offering all its customers a FREE DRINK UPGRADE until April 13, 2013, providing a perfect opportunity for first-time customers to try True Blend’s signature drinks.

True Blends The Strip Branch is located along Ortigas Ave., Pasig City right beside The Medical City to cater to both commuters and passers-by as well as to the regular employees within the area. It is the perfect venue for people who are in need of a refreshing break from walking in the burning summer heat. 

True Blends The Strip 2C The Strip Commercial Complex 
Ortigas Ave., Pasig City 

Facebook Fan Page: Facebook.com/thestriptrueblends Twitter: @trublendsstrip

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