Gong Cha: A Tea Fit for a Royalty (it's a Royal Tea)

When you are feeling down, tired and restless, you only want to crawl in your bed and relax and think of happy thoughts. Gone are the days when you would call your friend and invite him/her for a talk over a case of your favorite beer; or maybe it does still count - especially if your goal is to people-watch and girl/guy-hunt.

But people are more concern about their health, and even though coffee shops are everywhere, tea salons are making a huge following nowadays. Gong Cha is now here in the Philippines and is out to take the competition seriously.

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Converse Block Party 2011: Celebration of Conversation and Fashion

I was feeling too depressed on a Saturday morning so I just thought of attending the Converse Block Party at the Mall of Asia to feel free and yeah, just to party.

It was such a fun event starting at 10:00 in the morning. It was time to be radical and for once, vandalism was allowed and legal - with all the spray paints and colored chalks everywhere you can speak yourself and tell the world you were there partying with the usual " ----- was here" note or simply promote your site. Boys were free to play basketball with other boys (just like in communities), and some were just too high to play the skateboards.


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Great Buy of the Week: 100% Guilt-Free Shopper Bag from (WFTO) Asia - A Bag with A Cause Not Cost

I cannot resist a good, statement bag. I may not afford the likes of LVs and Gucci's yet, but I love bags in all shapes and sizes! They say a lady can either be a shoes or bag lady; but I guess I fall for both categories.

My attendance to the 100% Guilt-Free Shopper Campaign Launch is a real opener. I know it is hard for someone like me to go 100% Guilt-Free Shopper, especially that only 10% in the Asia is aware about Fair Trade. The least I can do at this point is to spread the awareness - fashionably. So I bought this lovely eco-bag from the World Fair Trade Organization which screams 100% Guilt-Free Shopper!

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QPlus: Networking Business Plus Newly Launched Wellness Products

I am sure that all of us had been invited to a networking business. It is usually held in the main office of the company, or usually in the coffee shop where the guests would be seated in a round table with the business partner discussing the benefits of taking part of the business.

I was recently invited to one prestigious get-together of an international network marketing leader, QPlus - and the agenda was not just about the networking, but more importantly the launching of its new products. The event was held in Richmonde Hotel, Eastwood City on May 21st.

One of the products launched was the Bio-Resonance Hair Analysis. This analysis is a non-invasive procedure that examines trace elements in the hair, enabling trained health professionals to determine one's overall health and nutritional state by examining the cells in one's hair. This way, professionals can then recommend a dietary set to correct one's health state. It is impressive innovation and reminds me of C.S.I.

Ole Olive Leaf Extract - antioxidant more powerful than Vit C.

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When the Bosses Eliminate Your Job and Move Your Team to A New Site

This blog was initially written in my notebook at 8:00AM of March 28th, Saturday

Have you ever felt that feeling when you don't want to quit your job because you are happy with what you are doing, and you work with very smart, competitive professionals and your leaders and big bosses are supportive of your personal and professional goals? Sounds too good to be true, but this is what I am feeling right now.

I know how people would usually complain about their jobs, the work they do, the politics in the workplace, and their lazy bosses. We see them everyday in our Facebook feed and Twitter updates and even blogs.


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Nuffnang and Hapee Special Screening

People always want to be tagged as first class, and always want to avail of the "first class" services - be it from dining in restaurant, booking a hotel or flying airlines. We all want that "first class" branding. Here comes two brands which are first class in their own rights.


Nuffnang is not just a third party brand connecting advertisers and publishers, but more importantly, it is a community which cares about its publishers and clients. It gives personalized services to its clients to fit their branding and needs through promotions and events - which is mutually beneficial to the publishers and its readers.

Happee on the other hand is the first world-class Filipino brand of toothpaste equally competitive with other known international brands. It never stops in innovating its product and reaching out to the needs of consumers.  Now, that's another reason to be proud to be Pinoy and smile, and be hapee! (happy).

Wondering what's with an X? I know it is all checks for both brands. Nuffnang is always cooking something exciting!

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The Samsung 2View Camera Series: You Are In Photo Frame - Jump Shot or Not!

I was just talking about digital cameras on my previous post, then, surprise! Surprise! Here's Samsung 2View Cameras!

I remember when the 3G phone was first introduced, and I was lucky to own one. I find it so "hi-tech" because you can see how you look in a picture just like looking at the mirror and pose with your best angle, before hitting the shutter. But then, 3G phones just died when smart phones were introduced. Well, actually, mine is still working but I don't use it anymore.

But here is an impressive innovation from Samsung. The Samsung 2View Cameras have dual LCD screen feature found at the front side and back side of the camera.

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I Love Photos (and Camwhoring) But I Still Prefer a Digital Camera

I am the type who loves to take pictures. Even when digital cameras, or smart phones and DSLRs were not yet that popular, I was always the one who buys film with 36 shots during school events, trips and affairs.

Although DSLR is the new fashion accessory (they hung so sleek unto someone's neck), I still prefer a good digital camera. When my camera died on me three months ago. I felt so naked that I don't want to go on trips, and even blog. I cannot perform well. I need camera to take pictures of the people, reactions, emotions, scenes, and yes, food.. and even peculiar things like insects or stains, or any shapes that catch my attention. My friends told me that I need to get a DSLR, but I am too old to be swayed by peer pressure. I know what I wanted. A digital camera which I can bring anywhere discreetly, especially that I am a commuter. Second reason would be, I don't have much money to buy a new camera. When I purchased my digicam (it is actually a Sony Camera DSC-W350 14.1 megapixels), it was not even on my budget.

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How to Prevent Wardrobe Malfunction?

I got more dresses and skirts than jeans in my closet. It is a fact. I grew up wearing dresses, that I even looked forward to wearing my very first pair of jeans. But my liking for jeans never lasted, I still prefer wearing skirts and dresses - even before dresses and minidresses became the preferred clothes of most of the girly chics. 

It must probably my skirt that got my partner 10 years ago. My colleagues would even tell me they never see me in jeans or slacks (but I do wear jeans - rarely). I love that dresses are so easy to wear and match with shoes. You just slip on it and you look so dressed up. I just thought that wearing jeans/slacks and looking for the perfect top to match it with, plus the shoes is like solving a math problem. 

So I am not the shirt and jeans type of woman,  which makes underwear even more important to me. With all those backless dresses and tops, and plunging necklines, one must be smart in choosing the right underwear to wear - unless you want to be the next big star of a wardrobe malfunction. 

Just want to share the few items I do use whenever the dress' style, or cut calls for it.

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Doom of the Broom: Electrolux Dynamica Vacuum Cleaner [Swap Your Broom and Get Php1,000 Off]

I usually do my laundry and room cleaning every weekend. My room state is directly proportional with the state of my schedule the week before. As schedule gets crazier, the room  gets alot more crazier.

That is why, I am so glad that I won a new Electrolux Dynamica Vacuum! Yehey!!! Thank you to all the mommies and readers who also shared their horror broom stories in my post! Later, I would be doing a major room cleaning with my new household help.

The culminating event happened last May 12th at A.Venue Hotel in Makati. Short-listed bloggers were invited in a fun event wherein bloggers played games like Movies Charade and Weakest Link.

And I thought we would be cleaning the function room during the event ;)

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Are you 100% Guilt-free Shopper? A World Fair Trade Org Asia Campaign

Who loves to shop here? ME! ME! ME! Shopping makes me guilty at times, especially if I find myself shopping for items that I don't really need. Like a top still stored in its original paper bag, waiting to be worn; or a lip gloss that I have yet to open. But other than the reason of spending too much, there's a deeper reason to be guilty about if the item we had bought have caused the life, health and welfare of others to have it produced.

In this light, the World Fair Trade Day campaign is being launched and celebrated worldwide, being supported by thousands of people, social and environmental groups, national governments, producers and consumers all around the planet. It was my first time to hear about this, and I am surprised that alot of people are actually getting more aware and helping the World Fair Trade Organization to support its cause.

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Century Tuna Healthilicious Hotdog Loved by Yummy-licious Aljur!

"Maalat daw ang hotdog ni Aljur" ("Aljur's hotdog is salty"), my mom told me as soon as she opened the door coming from the market last Thursday morning. I asked her with a confused, "huh?". She told me it was the headline of one of the tabloids she saw from the newspaper stand. She was quite irritated and being a 60-ish who values formality and conservatism, she said that that is something that should not be shared in public.

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Bounty Fresh Officially Launches Chic Moms' Club and Awards Designer Bags

Last Wednesday morning, March 18th, I went straight from the office to Manila Peninsula Hotel to attend the Bounty Fresh (pioneer in vacuum-sealed chicken) Chic Moms' Club event. 

Going to Makati was such a struggle. When I got to Manila Peninsula and signed at the registration, I was amazed by the mood inside the Salon De Ning. The room was full of chic ladies (who happen to be moms!) clad on their most lovely minidresses (the color of the day was red), that I almost thought I was attending a party at 11PM if not for the blazing sunlight reflected in the hotel lobby telling me my thoughts are 12 hours ahead.

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Who is Petra Mahalimuyak? An Interview with Youtube's Newest Sensation [Ashley Rivera]

When I hear the name Petra, what comes to mind is the character from an old Tagalog movie - a funny loud gay which transforms into a horse. But Petrang Kabayo is a thing of the past, the new Petra is flooding the walls of my Facebook Home Page with so many likes and shares, and LOLs and Hahahahaha's from my friends.

If you have not heard of Petra Mahalimuyak, it is time for you to connect to the world. Buy a pc, go online and search youtube.com. Or simply, continue reading..

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Ryan Bang's "I Lilly Lilly Like It" Album Launch - I Lilly Lilly Like to Attend But I Missed!

I am writing this post with only an hour of sleep since Tuesday afternoon (I woke up at 5:00 PM then). So if you see any grammar error, typo and just jumping chain of thoughts, please do forgive the blogger.

The reason I am missing my bed now and using eye concealer is because I had attended two events (and missed one) after completing work requests, answering emails and dealing with Expats, managers, executives and HR Partners. Yes, I worked at night and yesterday morning, after shutting down my computer in the office, I ran to Manila Peninsula Hotel to cover an event. Actually, I only wished I ran - as I rode a bus on my way there - thinking that I would saved money - but it turned out I wasted too much time. I never pass through EDSA on my way to work, so I never know traffic was so terrible in the morning (9AM) and that bus (although I was lucky I got a seat infront and Avatar was playing on the DVD), stops at every corner and streets to take commuters which took away a few minutes in every stop. Anyway, I would be writing a different post regarding the event, as well as the launching of a new product endorsed by Mr. Machete, Aljur.

As much as I want to join another event in the afternoon, I have to say sorry to the person who invited me and make a right decision - which is to go home and get a few minutes of sleep (I had an hour!). I underestimated the time and event duration that I thought I could still attend Ryan Bang's Album Launch.

Thank you to Orange Magazine TV for the pic!

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Royce's (Chocolate) Potato Chip Chocolate is Love!!! A New Twist and Crunch in Eating Chocolate/Potato Chips

I do not know about you, but everytime I eat junk (chips, chocolates, and more chips and chocolates) during my cheat days (which is I think everyday), I always combine and eat chips (usually potato chips) with chocolates.

I eat chips and munch them bite after bite, then do a little break by eating some chocolates. I love the fun of eating something salty, then having something chocolate-bitter-sweet. I love the contrast it creates. People sometimes just crave for something salty or something sweet. When I get that craving (sweet or salty), I always get both, as I know I would enjoy the eating and indulging if I have both chips and chocolates).

Trying hard to stay healthy, I drink lot of water. Just water, I am not fond of drinking soda.

So when my sister told me that I should try Royce's Potato Chips Chocolate (I think it should be Chocolate Coated Potato Chips? - I don't want to be a grammar doc today, but Potato Chips Chocolate is what is printed in the box) - I made sure to buy one the next time we came across a Royce kiosk!

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Mind and Body Working to Build the First World-Class Science Museum in Philippines: Mind Museum

We loved going and joining field trips during grade school. Exploring cultures, science and knowledge. Kids and even adults have bigger reason to be excited about museums. The First World Class Science Museum in the Philippines is opening in December 2011 inside the Fort, in Taguig.

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Dealies.Ph: Not Another Groupon But Delivers the Best Deals and Discounts from Group Buying Sites

Is your inbox always flooded with alerts from Ensogo, CashcashPinoy and all other group buying sites, that you find it hard to locate your boyfriend/girlfriend's email? Is your Facebook Homepage also flooded with the same information plus the likes and link shares of your friends regarding a travel package, food discount and the most popular underarm laser promo from these group buying sites?

I am raising my hand, AND DOING AN UPPER CASE to say I am one of you guys. 

Sometimes, I just want to hide all the updates, and block the messages, or just fully unsubscribe, but I don't want to miss on the next best deal, especially that deals are good only in a limited time. Here comes Dealies.ph to save the day, (and space in our mails!).

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Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet at Seasons in Manila Pavilion Hotel

I know that hotels and restaurants would be crowded and fully reserved during Mother’s Day so I decided to take my family in Manila Pavilion Hotel to try the International Cuisine Buffet at Seasons.

People might be feasting in Spiral, 7 Corners, Corniche, Cafe Ylang Ylang and Heat; but we had the spacious dining of Seasons all to ourselves as we explore the dishes served from different cuisines. Yes, we were early at 7PM reservation and we were greeted and assisted by very friendly and accommodating staff who tirelessly answered all my questions and assisted us in all our requests (like, taking our family picture?!).




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Have You Also Received the Reader's Digest and HSBC Promo Mail?

I received this letter last week with stamps of Readers' Digest and HSBC logos. I know for a fact that this is just the same as one of the many offers I have received some years ago from different companies, but since I am an HSBC card holder, I got curious and checked the documents inside.

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Happy Lemon: New Twist for Coffees, Milk Teas and Drinks

Time to drink more coffee after a sweet dessert from Cara Mia Gelafeteria. We went back to Promenade and got curious with the new coffee shop beside Starbucks (the former ground floor for Fully Booked). My friend's sister suggested that we try this coffee place as it serves coffee with cheese!

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Cara Mia Gelafeteria: Place to Eat Gelato, Cakes and Gelato Cakes!

After a filling dinner at Amici, time to explore the sweets at the Cara Mia Gelafeteria (gelato plus cafeteria!).


The store offers good selection of Cakes and Gelato Cakes and of course, gelati! I find the prices too cheap at Php60 to Php100 per slice.

Gelati at Php70 per scoop
Php230 per pint and Php490 to Php590 per tub
Really cheap!

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When Good Friends Dine at Amici

Some weeks ago, my best friend and I had a little misunderstanding. Although until now, I am not quite sure on the reasons why he got mad – the point is we’re okay and we’re friends again. Maybe it’s really like this for true friends. After misunderstandings and cold treatments, when you see each other again, it’s like the old days and you got nothing to talk about but your lives and the favorite things you both enjoy and love.

When my friend texted me and invited me for dinner (which I had moved to a Sunday night), we both agreed to meet up at Greenhills. First, it’s been a long time the last time we went there. Second, it’s where e got closer when we were both working in Greenhills some 6 years ago. Third, we have to meet halfway.

I was very surprised when I got to Greenhills. The elevated parking space infront of Promenade mall is new to my sight! and I don’t want it there. I want to see the Fully Booked Store and Coffee Bean while standing at the Music Museum, the same way I can see Starbucks while enjoying a good coffee at Coffee Bean. It’s just bad business for the establishments in Promenade, but I guess parking space gives more business – thus, the elevated parking space.

After a good latte from Coffee Bean, a few talks, and how are yous, my friend invited me to Amici.

Per my friend, Amici is bought by the owners of Red Ribbon from people running a cafeteria in Don Bosco. It has then expanded, improved and transformed into a semi-formal cafe, and then we were seated at the store in Greenhills.

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MYMP The Unreleased Acoustic Collection Album Launch: A Reason to Make Their Moms Prouder!

It was a rainy Sunday yesterday, and the best way to spend Mother's Day is to listen to M.Y.M.P.'s acoustic songs with the soothing sweet voice of their new vocalist, Juliet Bahala. 

The band M.Y.M.P (Make Your Mama Proud) released it's album MYMP The Unreleased Acoustic Collection, yesterday (May 8th) at the Midtown Atrium of Robinson's Place Ermita. 

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Teleserv Gives Fast Service and Fast & the Furious 5 Movie Screening (Bloggers Edition)

Exactly one year ago, we were in Macau exploring the great city, culture and amazing shops. That was when my new passport got stamped for the second time (as we came from Hong Kong to enter Macau). Three weeks before we flew to Hong Kong, I was worried that  I wouldn't be able to get my passport renewed, but I did and I got to see Mickey Mouse and other Disney Friends.

I was very impressed with the DFA service then. (finally the government is using the taxes I am  paying each month to better improve the service) But, surprise! Surprise! Only last Wednesday night I found out that it was Teleserv which was behind that smooth service and helped me in securing my new passport - from the appointment to delivery.

Teleserv treated bloggers to a Movie Night and Screening of the Fast and the Furious 5 in Gateway Mall Cinema.

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I Can Now Buy My Proactiv Solution in Mall Kiosks!

Some weeks ago, I met up with friends that I haven't seen for months. Aside from the usual topics that we love to discuss like food, travel destinations and my friend's sudden passion in saving the Dolphins, we talked about skin care products. Maybe because we feel that the signs of aging are suddenly showing up in our face, hands, eyes and neck.

I was surprised when my friend told me that I am getting fairer and "clearer" (I got the bad genes which has sensitive skin and prone to acne). I told her maybe because I had passed the puberty stage, and probably because am still loyal with Proactiv (add the fact that I am happier with what I am doing now despite lack of sleep and unhealthy diet). 

I suddenly remember my long on and off relationship with Proactiv Solution. I first received the package from my sister 10 years ago from the US. She told me that it was new in the market and is the best skin care set for acne. I was a bit hesitant to try it. First, because the packaging is not the girly, pinky type of bottles. The solution is packed in bottles that gives an impression that they are medicine and that you should take them seriously. Second, I never know anything about Proactiv. When I checked the site, Vanessa Williams came up on the webpage, and I thought everything is just for promotion. Third, I felt that there is no cure for my skin condition but to take pills which control sebum production. 

Daily Oil Control Moisturizer, Refining Mask, Oil-Free Moisturizer - I got ample stocks!
Other Proactiv Solution products aside from the basic 3-step system.

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PDA Partners with Pepsodent to Launch "Batang May K"

I just had my root canal treatment done last Sunday, and hopefully next week, I would get those wires stapled on my teeth. I am not part of those who got pearly-whites, toothpaste-commercial-worthy smiles. If I would only compute how much I had spent and been spending to have that Close-up smile, it would amount to more than Php100,000 - enough money for me to visit Korea and exchange smiles with the locals.

Maybe I should blame myself for eating too much chocolates when I was younger, and hating every dentist visit. You would agree with me if I say having such a nice teeth and smile would make someone more beautiful, the same way that a crooked teeth would break someone's look and confidence. Another fact, tooth decay, although preventable, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Most of those who are affected are kids, 6 years of age and below.

In this line, the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and Unilever partnered together, not just to fight cavities, but also to create awareness regarding the intensive oral health and personal hygiene dubbed as Batang May K. I was lucky and thankful to be invited to the press conference of Batang May K (Phase II) last Wednesday (May 8th) at the PICC.


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Celebrate Mothers' Day with MYMP: The Unreleased Accoustic Collection Album Launch

I love listening to songs with female vocals and just an acoustic guitar accompanying the sweet feminine voice. And when I say that description, M.Y.M.P. comes to mind. 

Here's a treat to all the fans, M.Y.M.P. (acronym for Make Your Momma Proud is once again on stage and mic to prove that they have more than what they had been offering for the previous years.

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Nestle Philippines Recalls Maggie Instant Noodles Due to Salmonella

I just received an update from a friend in Facebook sharing that Nestle Philippines is doing ongoing recall of Maggie Instant Noodles (Beef and Chicken Flavors).

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GMA7 Would Give Us Reasons to Turn Off the PC and Watch TV!

Fact: I am spending more hours online than sleeping, bonding with my family or even watching TV. I am online at home, and in the office (although not surfing as often as I am at home - the fact is, I am infront of the computer as if it is the only gadget/electronics I can operate).

Last Saturday Night, I spent the day at home, and just watched TV (the one thing I have been wanting to do for months!). My typical day and relationship with the tube - I only get to watch the news at night before heading to work, or watch Eat Bulaga before hitting the bed. I was surprised that new TV shows would soon be aired by GMA7, and these are not just the usual game shows or documentary shows . From sitcoms, re-makes, Koreanovelas and teleseryes, I am quite impressed with GMA7's new shows line-up.


GMA-7 unveils new programs and specials airing this May 2011 from Janette Toral on Vimeo.



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