Mandarin Buffet in Ontario, Canada: Going Chinese!

I grabbed chopsticks, and ended a good meal with a fortune cookie for lunch. Our partners brought us to Mandarin Buffet in Ontario. We got to eat something healthy - especially we are craving for rice. And extra rice! Even with Fall clothes on, we cannot deny that we are Asians :)

I wouldn't let the opportunity pass to taste and experience good food - even if it means only an hour of feast (lunch break).

To know what good food are served in the buffet tables, click Read More..

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Naturalizer's Fall/Winter Collection

Boots. Fur. Beanie. Scarf. Those words spell Fall and Winter. And I think I am lucky to be in this part of the world now where I can really wear Fall/Winter clothing! Yahooo!

I was freezing when I first arrived in Toronto, Canada; but we are adjusting to the weather and even went out of the hotel in shorts this afternoon!

Anyway, days before I flew to this beautiful country, I was lucky to be invited to the launch of Naturalizer Fall/Winter Collection.

 

When I think of Naturalizer, I always thought of doctors, business woman, flight attendants and executives. Career women who really mean business and quality to whatever they deal with. True to that perception, Naturalizer knows quality. Evident is one of the precious pairs my sister owns, which I think she used during her job application interview until she separated from the company and later on embraced motherhood. I wouldn't be surprised if she says the pair is still alive. Naturalizer pairs are meant to last - the history started when in 1920s, women wear men's shoes, until Naturalizer created "the shoes with beautiful fit!" and the brand is still alive which is celebrating its 85th year. Amazing.

Click Read More to know more about the new collection..

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Working for the Most Essential Company

Bonne journée à partir du Canada!

I am hoping my French is correct. I am not speaking French yet (although I know some phrases - thank you to my Foreign Language professor in College!). I am hearing and reading French and English in this country where I am typing this blog entry now. I have a lot of stories to tell, but I don't have much time to blog since I am traveling for business. 

I just want to share this article I wrote for IBM newsletter which features the company that I am working for, and our General Country Manager. Know more about the company which sends me to different places, and connects me with the different people around the globe.

An Essential Luncheon with IBM Country Manager, and Executives

By Ruth dela Cruz

I can say pass to an event invitation with Phil Younghusband; or cancel an exclusive interview with Derek Ramsey; but I could never say no for a luncheon invitation with the IBM Philippines' Country General Manager, Mariels Almeda-Winhoffer.

It was the exact day the Big Blue was celebrating its 75th anniversary – July 20, 2012. The night before, IBMers welcomed the day with a charity concert and fireworks display. We were like a league with our anniversary shirts on which represents teamwork and positive attitude towards the future.

Media practitioners and technology writers were welcomed in the Malacanang Boardroom - the function room where we usually have our weekly policy cascade and meetings. The mood was light and everyone was excited. Even I, who came from my shift the night before, still have the energy to take pictures, greet the other guests and welcome them in my second home.

 

Then it was announced - the guests of honors had arrived - but when Dod Peralta, Director, GBS Global Delivery Center; Cassandra Soto, Director, Philippines Delivery, Global Process Services  and Mariels Almeda-Winhoffer, President and Country General Manager arrived in the venue, they turned the tables and gave everyone their sincere and warm welcome.

Click Read More to know why we think IBM is essential..

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Chris Diaz for Ensembles

I only get to see Chris Diaz's collection during Philippine Fashion Week (like this recent one I attended).

Now, we can see more of Chris Diaz in Ensembles stores, as he is the featured artist for the Young Designer Series. This is Ensembles 4th installment, the previous ones include James Reyes, Debbie Co, Louis Claparols and Choc & Yvette Religioso.

And who else better embodies empowered and fulfilled woman, but Carmina Villaroel..

The collaboration aims to create something truly unique but will still be very much Ensembles – a perfect balance of wearability and artistry – versatile and timeless pieces that can be worn to work or on the weekend, just as easily. I think I am nearing this point in my life that I need to wear something more classic and timeless - and forget those flirty skirts. ;)

To see more of the collection (I already have favorites!), click Read More..

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The Underarm Monologues: What Would Your Armpit Say?

If your underarms can talk, what would it say? Mine would be, I hope you would be proud of me, the same way you flaunt your legs..

Although I am not really ashamed of my underarm, armpit or kilikili - that part of my body is like a third private part of me. Yes, I wear tube tops, tank tops and sleeveless tops - I would like to think that I am fair and proud of my underarm.. special, at some point - I remember even buying a laser treatment package for it and the attendant who lovingly did the treatment even told me I got nice underarm - as she confessed, she had seen worse.

I got a good relationship with my armpits, but not everyone has a blissful relationship (good example is my sister). Last week, I heard more underarms talk in Teatrino, Promenade Greenhills.

Promenade is one of my many second homes. I once worked in the area, and I am always very curious about Teatrino. And then.. tadah.. an invite to see Unspeakably Yours, The Underarm Monologues. 

To know what The Underarm Monologues is about, click Read More..


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Carmex Moisturizing Balm

My lips will be forever moisturized. Well, if the samples I got from Carmex mean forever, I can forget about weddings. When I opened the package from Carmex, the sweet flavor fills my nostrils. It is that yummy, that I want to suck the tubes and pot. No wonder, they are made for our lips. 

It's funny thought that my friend who is not familiar with the brand thought that the picture I posted in my Facebook Fanpage is a bunch of packing tape or home materials. Well, what can I say? It's probably because the brand is not pretentious. It doesn't have anything girly on it. It is straightforward.

I've known the brand even before it has landed in the Philippines, and being me who's a sucker for anything new, good and kikay - it would never escape my shopping cart.

Now, I got a pack to test and review.. and I know it took a while for me to write this, because I want to really test its performance (now, that sounded like a car..). 

Anyway, here you go.. I am not a certified Beauty Blogger, so don't expect pictures of me pouting and kissing your monitor. 

Click Read More to read my review of each variant..

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Great Buys of the Week: Stuff to Pack for Fall

I always find myself in the mall days before my travel. Oh yeah, I am traveling again. But I don't want to share the details yet.. until I have received the "arrival" stamp from the Immigration Officer of the destination country. I would have a lot of stories to tell again.. and I hate that I haven't even finished my blog series for my Beijing, Ilocos and Indonesia trips. It is still in my to-do list.

Anyway, I found a compelling reason to shop this time. I would be in another continent, which means I would get to feel a different weather - and I need to wear something appropriate for the culture and the weather. So I dragged my mom to SM North Edsa and Trinoma, and went home with these shopping bags.

Well, actually I paid Php2 for each shopping bag (except for Payless!). Quezon City is really taking the zero plastic campaign seriously.. which I think is good. I hope this would be a nationwide campaign - like in Hong Kong. I am just telling my mom we could make use of the eco-bags I got from the events I attended. 

Anyway, so it is been a while since I shared my Great Buys.. blame the busy schedule.. But since it is a Sunday, and I am soo happy with my purchases, I find myself taking pictures of each piece and typing this blog entry.

Now, what's inside those bags? Click Read More to know.. 

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