6 Blogs to Visit: Happy Blog Day!

They say August 31st is a Blog Day! So instead of talking about myself, my experiences and frustrations, or my Great Buys (I have one for this week!), or my new food discovery or event coverage, I would blog about other blogs that I read and follow - and some are not the most popular blogs (just yet), but they deserve a space in my humble blog.

I felt that these blogs are just so precious like a secret ingredient in a recipe, or a trade secret that I don't want to share. But hey, they are inspiring and fun to read, and I want my readers to know them first through my blog (hopefully).

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Beyond the Box Opens

Beyond the Box. True to the name of the new store, the launching itself was beyond what you would expect from a normal launching. It is not just about ribbon cutting, but a party at the second floor of Resorts World with live performance by a band which uses a box instrument called"cajun" - it has strings inside and produces great sound. Now that's thinking beyond the box!

 
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Ruthilicious Loves DKNY Be Delicious Perfume

I feel naked without perfume. That's a fact. I can leave home without money, but not without perfume. And although I wear perfume as if it is an underwear, I only stick with one scent - Kenzo. It is the scent my high school friends remember, the scent that my mom knows I wear, and the scent that stays in my S.O.'s bed - and yes he likes it.

I am just glad that it is one of the cheapest brands in the market -which most of the time is on sale. Like the time we went to Sephora in Beijing, it is at 40% off! Now my biggest worry is if the company decides to phase out the one scent I love. 

But I have a "spare tire" if that is what you call it. I "met" DKNY Be Delicious through an online contest, and I just fell inloved with the scent. The sample I got worked like a potion and imagine my surprise when I found out I won the Grand Prize of the DKNY Be Delicious Design a Bottle Blogging Contest (this was last March). 

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The Great Dole Cook-Off with Chef Jeremy and Bloggers

During events and product launches, PR companies always come up with exciting activities for the audience, that made me always "positively RSPV-d" the invitation. A good example is the recently concluded Great Dole Cook Off held last August 26th in the Magsaysay Institute for Hospitality and Culinary Arts.

After a little introduction about Dole and its products, it is time to heat up the event with a cooking demo with Chef Jeremy Favia. If you are not always tuned in on TV, you might mistake him as a Starstruck star with his boyish look, but he is a certified chef and a celebrity chef (as what they call chefs who had appeared on TV). He has appeared in cooking show Ka-Toque Lutong Barkada and Healthy Cravings with Izza Calzado. Chef Jeremy has earned his degree from University of Santo Tomas.

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Tupperware Link-Up Party: Tupperware Offers Products for Every Member of the Family

Who didn't grow up with Tupperware? All of us know this brand since we were younger. Our moms love its products. It's in our kitchen and our lunch boxes, and oftentimes in our school - because Ms. Teacher was a dealer of the Tupperware brand ;)

Tupperware is once again back on game with not just the usual kitchen containers but with other products for every member of the family. Tupperware held its Tupperware Link-Up Party last Tuesday, August 23rd at the Opus Bar, Resorts World. 

The event not just aimed to re-introduce the brand but more importantly to celebrate Tupperware as the top direct selling company by strengthening its position to enlighten, educate and empower women and their families with its newest products.

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Consult Traffic Navigator for Traffic Situation!

I was invited to the event in Resorts World last Monday and the bad weather got me worried on how I could get to the venue. My only means of transportation going to the area is taxi, but by experience, it would take 2 hours travel time from my place. So I have to check the Traffic Navigator to see how bad the traffic situation is (as expected). I saw in the site that the roads are marked red. It would look like a parking lot with impatient drivers inside their cars - heavy traffic! So plan B is to take the LRT and take a cab in the nearest LRT station going to Resorts World. They say I always make a scene wherever I go, and it is indeed a scene to be smashed inside the train in my skimpy minidress. Anyway, I made it on time for the registration and travel time is 1 hour. Had it not for the MMDA Traffic Navigator, I might have been stuck in the traffic together with the others who don't know Traffic Navigator yet.

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Electroworld Refused to Do Business With Me and My Credit Card!!!!

I am fuming mad!!! I was supposed to be blogging using a new netbook - an Acer Aspire One with nice specs (as I have consulted with and approved by Mhel of Certified Foodies). I thought it is a good buy. I have been planning to buy a netbook and thought I need a new gadget to bring back my drive for blogging (it may not be obvious, but I was too lazy to blog recently). I was so excited, that I even agreed to extend its warranty to 3 years. Plus, I was even planning of buying a WIFI router so I would be connected anywhere I am in the house. I thought I would be blogging, and blogging and blogging as soon as I get home but after the netbook has been set up, and I have given my details, the cashier refused to process my order because I only got 1 ID to present - a company ID.

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I Want Banana in the Morning or Night, Everyday to Keep Me Up All Day!

Working in a night shift means "morning" typically starts just when about the sun goes down. It is not only difficult to know when to use a night cream and day cream in a skin regimen, or how frustrating it is to miss on night outs, and movie premieres, but it is most challenging to get peaceful and quality sleep and recharge after a tiring day (or should I say night) just when half of the world is sleeping.

One thing is for sure, whether it is morning (Manila Time) or morning (Eastern Standard Time), I always have banana before having my first meal of the day. Fruits are supposedly desserts and should be eaten after meals, but I like mine before the meal - before rice and other fatty food invade my system. It does work for me because I felt that it whets my appetite, and prepares my stomach for a heavier meal. I don't want to sound like an encyclopedia, but I  want to stress that bananas are packed with vitamins and minerals. They say that it is two times as many carbohydrates as an apple, five times as much as Vitamin A and iron, and three times as much as phosphorus. The minerals and vitamins that we need are in this wonder fruit.

My parents know me too well that I always look for banana before having dinner and leaving for work, so my dad always buys bananas EVERYDAY, as if we have pet monkeys at home.

If we don't have bananas at home, I can always grab one from convenience store. I love that Dole has started selling bananas in convenience stores so consumers can buy something healthy instead of the usual chips and donuts and footlongs.

Interesting enough, I found Dole's Facebook Fanpage which has an on-going promo entitled, Banana Morning Motto. The goal of the contest is to encourage consumers and Dole followers to have a positive outlook about morning (don't we hate mornings which usually translate to deadlines and traffic?). The motto should be written down in a banana (like a tattoo!). So I am joining this contest and I would show the world I am owning my morning!

My entry!

If you got inspired by my entry or just simply like my entry, please vote here.

If you want to join the contest, follow the steps below:

1. Like the Dole Facebook Fanpage.

2. Click the Banana Morning Motto Application Tab

 

3. Upload a photo of your morning motto written on a Dole® Cavendish Banana (make sure the Dole sticker is still on!)

The contest would run until September 4, 2011. Check out the other cool entries at the Banana Morning Gallery.

 Winners could win Executive Massage GC from The Spa or 10 sessions of Zumba classes.

If you need further info, check out the Frequently Asked Questions section.


What would you write on your banana?!


Note: Contest is Per DTI-NCR Permit #5769  . Series of 2011.

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Panciteria San Jose is Now Comida China de Manila But Not in Manila

We travelled 5.5 hours from Manila to China to taste good, authentic Chinese Food (but guess, just like in Manila not all Chinese restos serve tasty food - will talk about it more in another post). I live in Manila which is too close to Binondo, yet I haven't experienced yet the thing they called, Chinatown foodtrip. That's the irony of life, you don't tend to visit the places near your home because you thought that they would always be there - but NOT. I found out that one of the famous Chinese restaurants had move (well, not recently) and changed its name. So I don't need an airplane and a suitcase, all I need is 2 hours (commute time plus traffic) to get to Panciteria San Jose, or now known as Comida China De Manila.

Let me share with you the press release I got, and I can say that since they offer a lot of different dishes other than pancit, it is just good decision to change the name. This restaurant is listed in my restaurants-to-try this year.

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Solo Features Kengkoy and Launches 3rd Model Online Search

I got a note yesterday morning telling me that Kengkoy wants to get blogged and featured in my blog. It is no joke. Although Kengkoy is known for being amusing, and his name was later on used as an adjective to describe a witty and funny person (and yes, the adjective Kengkoy was oftentimes used to describe me!).

I am not certain if the youth today know Kengkoy?! But there is no need to go to the National Library to search for old clippings of comics. From the retail shop that relieved the works of Larry Alcala's Slice of Life, Solo would soon launch the greatest work of the Father of Philippine Cartoons, Tony Velasquez’s KENKOY.

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BUM Equipment Asks You to Reveal Your Dark Side

You have read the title right. Now the question is, who is into Cosplay?! Cosplay or Costume Play has been making a trend nowadays (or maybe, it has been a lifestyle to some and I only get to be close with the people who love Cosplay just recently). Although I am not a fan of Anime and Manga (or cartoons), if I would be compulsary asked to do it, I would do Wonderwoman. *wink* *wink

 
But here's good news for those who are into Cosplay(ing) and into costume design, BUM Equipment would let you create your own costume and just reveal your dark side. The contest dubbed Reveal Your Dark Side was launched last Monday, August 22nd at the 55 Events Place in Tomas Morato (I love this events place!).

There was an overflow of food, beer (and red wine for the ladies!), and good vibes despite the theme "dark side" with the presence of Cosplayers.

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Ruthilicious at the Blogapalooza!

I have to stop what I am doing and post this important message.

Ruthilicious is officially part of the Blogapalooza!


What is Blogapalooza? It is not an event wherein bloggers would come together to break (or make) a world record of live blogging (but that would be nice, eh?), or when bloggers would declare their love for their most loyal reader.

Stay connected for more updates or better click the image below. :)





If you are a business owner, or an influential blogger, please join the Blogapalooza and be part of the history ;)









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Great Buys of the Week: Sale Items from H&M (Beijing)

Some few weeks ago I felt tired of blogging and social media that I couldn't even start to blog about my favorite things and most exciting experiences I had. I didn't blog for a few days and even felt too lazy to attend events. My routine last week is go to work, work and work, sleep during lunch break, work and work, then go straight home and sleep some more. Thank you to my blogger friends for encouraging me, and giving me tips how to get the passion back and for making me feel human.

Now I am back to blogging! What I wanted to share.. my shopping finds from H&M in Beijing. We visited two H&M stores and I was just so lucky because they were both holding sale event. Now what I had bagged?

Wondering how much I paid for each item?!

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Bar Dolci Offers Good Coffee and Not Just Gelato

Last month, we received an email from our "boss' boss' boss" advising us that napping in the workstation is no longer tolerated. He noted that if he sees anyone sleeping in the workstation, he would personally wake the person up and ask him/her to transfer to the quiet room. The quiet room or the sleeping room is like a nursery room - with its glass panels and glass door, with no light on and comfy Lazy Boys and couches where employees sleep and take a nap during their break. Eversince the note has been cascaded, I am now one of those employees who would rather sleep during lunch break than eat (well, I eat while working - multi-tasking is the key!).

Oftentimes, I always get hit with that need to take a power nap (15 minutes) and all I wanted is to just drop in my workstation and go to tralalalaland. I would like to think I am still a growing kid.

Anyway, this post is not about sleeping at work and how to get terminated, or how my management understands that we all get tired and sleepy (especially we are following the Eastern Standard Time). It's about fighting the sleepiness with wonder drink we all know as COFFEE! When I tasted a good coffee, I would forever remember and think of it like true love - I know how it feels in my mouth as it fills me with acidity and bitterness until it goes down inside, filling me with heat as it perks up my system (yay, tooo graphic! But that's how I describe my coffee).

Bar Dolci coffee is one of the cafes which offers good coffees I love (like the Kangkang Coffee in Ilocos and the Espresso and Cream Ice Blended Drink from Coffee Bean). After the fulfilling dinner at the Sweet Bella in Burgos Circle (this friends meet up happened sometime in June - this post is sooo late!), my friend invited us to check out the gelato in Bar Dolci, but what interested me are not the frozen goods but the coffee. For some weird reason, all the coffee shops in the Burgos Circle close early (earlier than bars) and Bar Dolci got extra 10 points for extending its business hours.

I want to gulp it down, straight!

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First Things First: HYD Designer Contestants Gear-Up for their First Collection

Don't we get all excited about the word "first?". It relates to history and making history. Do you remember that during school days, our tests usually asked for the Firsts? Like who is the first blah blah.. When was the first blah blah.. This time though, I am not going to ask or release a test for the readers. I just want to share with you that the Hot Young Designers Contestants are now working on their first collection and it would soon be released on October 1st (yes, another first!).

Read on..

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News, Companies and State of One's Life

With so much issues surrounding the countries - like unemployment and poverty, it is good and comforting to know (and be reminded) that I have a job and I get my monthly salary (without any delay), enabling me to enjoy life from the simplest pleasure of having coffee at work to taking leaves and exploring cities on another part of the globe.

At times I want to scream and/or post a rant about how hard and brain-turning my task is, but I realized, people would kill to have my job. I have a supportive boss, a company which supports diversity and individuality, and an organization which promotes work-life balance. Recently, we even received stock options to celebrate the company's anniversary, and I am not just talking about presidents, and vice president's share, but ALL employees. What else can I ask for?
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Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank, Paris Hilton in Manila and Other Thoughts Before Bedtime

Before I hit the bed (and probably watch movie online), I just felt the need to blog! I am two hours behind my schedule (yes, I made a schedule for today's to-do list). Picassa crashed down and I couldn't finish putting watermarks in my pictures. So I had to uninstall and re-install it. Twice. So thank God, I am done doing the watermarks and would just upload the pictures in Facebook tomorrow.

Sharing this pic taken inside one of the temples in China - simply majestic!

It was a long day yesterday, but I am glad I was able to accomplish some things (like pay my credit card bills and finally bought a hair blower - such an accomplishment!).  I also bought an acid-free photo album so I can store my pictures (the most precious ones - my pictures with Mickey and Minnie in Disneyland, and the most recent ones taken in China in which I look like an empress. Hehe). Also I bought some nice plastic envelopes with hot pink trimmings where I kept my travel memorabilia (receipts, tickets, etc) - so that's one envelope per country. Planning to do my travel journal soon. I really want to organize my stuff and my room and that is the first step.

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Mercato Centrale Delivers At Home!

Whenever I would call a food delivery hotline for new restaurants, the very first question I would ask is if they deliver within Manila. I live in a place where traffic and crowded best describe the place. I don't have worries calling the usual fastfood deliveries with its 8888 and 9999 numbers as I know my pizza, chicken and burger would always come on time. So when I received an invitation to try out the new delivery service of Mercato Centrale, I got excited! - and one of the first questions I asked (with much worry) is if they would deliver in Manila.

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Pasko Sa Agosto: Audrey Hepburn Necklace and Multi-Way Dress Giveaway!

I had been receiving alot of blessings and I want to share them with my readers. So I am joining my fellow bloggers in this campaign called Pasko sa Agosto.

What am I giving away?

One Audrey Hepburn Watch Necklace and One Multi-way Dress in Salmon.

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Fitness First New You Achievement Awards 2011

Few days before my vacation, I was invited to the Fitness First New You Achievement Award Gala Night at the Unilab Bayanihan Center. The event has a theme of Mardi Gras, and everyone was at their best - ladies in long gown and gents were in black suit. I actually love to see my blogger friends in suit and all made up.

True to the theme, Mardi Gras (which means Fat Tuesday), the culminating event aims to focus on saying goodbye to bad habits, and not just fat. Finalists shared their experiences and their motivation on why they chose to stay healthy - from building confidence, conceiving a baby, aging with grace and pushing one's limit - all of the participants are already winners for shredding more than pounds and inches, but bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle.

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Thoughts After Vacation: Back to Reality

[Blogged Offline at 11:00 PM August 9, 2011] Back to work. Back to reality. I am typing this in my notepad as I don't want to access blogger at work. The people in the office had been so kind to me that they allowed me to take a week of vacation despite critical month, with my back up completing the tasks I am required to accomplish.

So after a few smokes and chitchat with my co-workers, and the much awaited pasalubong giving, I scanned my inbox and it was loaded with new mails. The system welcomes me back and asks me to turn off my out of office reminder.

I still feel a little deaf in my right ear - I don't know if it is because of air pressure during the flight back home, or I may have cleaned my ears too much that I damaged my nerves.


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No Facebook and Gmail Access

I am here in a beautiful place where temples are just stunning and grand, and I meant to share them with everyone but I don't have access to social networking sites and even my mails. It looks like my accounts had been temporarily turned off because the sites recognized that I am accessing them from a different location. I feel so disconnected to the world, despite the fact that I am here, exploring cultures, people and other areas of the world. I miss reading updates, checking status updates, liking photos, and comments, and just seeing notifications even if those are just about tagged pictures of campaigns and new product uploads. I am posting this update to let people (who care about me) that I am sill alive despite aching feet and legs. And despite the fact that my hair treatment was a failure. My roaming request is not yet confirmed, and my worry is getting my signal during my departure day. Tomorrow is another day of exploration and shopping (I just bought really nice swim wear at Php70 each! (converted to peso) and a nice fitting jeans too! I have to end this post now as I we have early call time Tomorrow, I just have to share too that I just had the blandest Coffee Jelly Frapp! Going home is such a struggle too. Okay, I have to end this post. Just want to make up on the missed status updates. Hope everything is Kay back home. (I have a lot of pending posts and blogs I want to share.. I wish I were home so I can connect to the world, but somehow, it is also fun to be really on vacation mode. I hope my out of office notification is working in my work machine.

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Med Chef Celebrated Its First Anniversary

What would happen if you combine a Head Chef and a Medical Technologist to up a business? It needs no scientist to determine the product. You just need to visit the Med Chef Cake Shop in Mother Ignacia (Quezon City) to know how skills, passion and teamwork can produce yummy treats.

 

Med Chef has celebrated its 1st Anniversary last Tuesday (July 26th) and I was invited to the event. It was a jampacked party with overflowing supply of baked goodies and celebrity cake show.


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