Glass Homes with Solar Panels

It is not yet the end of the world. I am not sure if that is a good news or what.

While we wait for the end of the world, I await the new year and then I would start listing the things that I want to accomplish - like go places, invest and have a nice home. Something that caught my attention. Solar panels that are used as roofs to conserve energy and go greener.

This so much reminds me of the consulting project I worked on last March in Indonesia - a local hospital which wants to go greener.

An interesting discovery, Photovoltaic Panels also called PVs. is a system used to collect energy from
the sun to generate or provide electricity. The energy can then be used to power a portion of office or home electricity.

Now if I want the same installed in my future home, what do I need to know?


Solar Energy reduces the amount of fossil fuel burned and reduces pollutants and carbon dioxide. The earth-lovers would love me for this. Depending on the set-up, it can power appliances, lights and even air condinationers. The Solar PV is typically installed in rooftops.

Where to get Solar PVs assistance in the Philippines?

I found this site that has expertise in installing Solar PV systems and had actually worked ith ADB, Rural Electrification of the Philippine Government and other private businesses.

Their panels have higher module efficiencies in absorbing energy (check), perform well under low light conditions (check) and the team provides assessment and consulting at the initial stage (check), plus one-year warranty after sales (check).

Now, I need a land to build my home sweet home and a design for my masterpiece. Some inspirations:

Credit

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Have you considered using Solar Panels?

If you like this post, click the like button or the Facebook Share button! Spread the love. Like my Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/ruthiliciousblog or follow my updates on Twitter @ruthilicious.

If you are reading this post somewhere, it is originally written by Ruth and published in www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com.

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The Best Filipino Desserts at Sentro 1771

I have to be honest, I loove desserts, but I find Filipino desserts too heavy. Think of the kakanins made of rice flour. It is like having a main dish once again. The chefs of Sentro 1771 must have heard me, and gave their desserts new twists through innovative and creative fusion with other Filipino food.


In Sentro 1771, you wouldn't just encounter the usual Filipino desserts like Halo-halo, Halayang Ube, or Leche Flan. The Filipino-themed restaurant is offering more options in a creative way, and gorgeous plating.. These are good desserts to order to cap a meal (see what good food you can order from Sentro 1771 here and read why Balikbayans Love Sentro 1771). 

 Crepe Maja Blanca

Imagine your favorite sinful Maja Blanca wrapped in thin crepes 

topped with caramelized sugar and corn kernels. One serving is good for one big bite!

Another all time favorite -

Fried Suman and Mango
The oldies had suggested that sumans are best with mango,
but it was Sentro 1771 which convinced me with this concept.
The chewy suman is perfect with the soft mango slices. Lovely presentation too.

This one's a favorite!

Click Read More to see more yummy desserts!

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Filipino Food You Can Take Out and Bring Home from Sentro 1771

I seldom eat in Filipino-themed Restaurants. Probably because I eat Filipino food almost everyday, at home and in the office - served in my reliable Lock-and-Lock lunchbox. Thank you mom for always cooking and preparing my meals. Although I am open to trying out new restaurants - as support to local businesses, and as a way of discovering local cuisines from provinces that I have never visited yet.

If there is one good Filipino Restaurant I would love to visit again and again, it is the Sentro 1771. We always bring our Balikbayan friends here to get reunited with Filipino food. Remember my blog, Balikbayans Love Sentro 1771?

Last week, I got invited to try the Sentro 1771 offerings once again. And yes, I did say Yes.

I am back in the familiar place in Greenbelt 3. What a joy! I almost danced the Tinikling when I get inside the restaurant (just kidding). Now, let's make the pictures do the talking...

Fried Kesong Puti

The first time I saw it, I thought those were Chicken Nuggets. 

The taste is just so good - chewy, yummy and perfect with the Chili Guava and Garlic Sauce

Php 180.

Sizzling Tofu
It is a fusion of your favorite Sisig and Tokwa't Baboy (less the pork!).
Yes, a bit healthier. Tossed with mayonnaise and calamansi,
this is perfect as is, or with rice!
Php 250

 

Click Read More to see more offerings of Sentro 1771, and how you can take them out! 

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Gift Together Through the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Gift-Together Website (An ABS CBN Christmas Project)

Balkbayan Boxes would soon start coming this Christmas season. The boxes that symbolize the presence of our loved ones who cannot be with us to share good food, great stories and fun moments during the Holiday season. I know how it feels to celebrate the Holidays with just me and my parents, thinking about my siblings (and my nieces and nephews) who are in different parts of the world. Although technology help us connect with them - it is still different to actually hear them laugh, feel their hugs and make more memories with them.

Despite time differences and distance, they send their love across through gifts. For someone who is working abroad, it is always a challenge to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. I personally experienced this dilemma during short trips. Although souvenir shifts, perfume and the usual collectibles save the day (add the favorite cliche - "it is the thought that counts!"), we still aim to give a more personalized gift to our loved ones - something that they want.

This season, ABS-CBN and ENSOGO (one of the leading group-buying sites in the country) partnered together to bring a special gift that would bring together families with loved ones abroad through the Kapamilya Gift-Together Website.

 
With the ABS CBN Kapamilya Gift-Together Website, one can create a wishlist through the list of offerings from the wide selection of Ensogo Deals (from Food, Entertainment, Accessories, Electronics, and even Travel Packages). S/he then sends the wish list to the relative abroad with a message, and a recorded video message from the Kapamilya stars like Diether Ocampo, Maja Salvador and other ABS CBN artists).  I just thought this is really a cute idea!

By sending the wishlist, we are showing trust to our relatives abroad. Trust, that is so hard to gain and maintain if you are separated by distance and time differences with your loved one.

When the relative receives the wishlist, s/he then can grant the selected wish or all the wishes from the list through the ABS CBN Kapamilya Gift-Together Website. The very act shows love and sacrifice. This connects the family - as simple as choosing and buying the perfect gift for your loved one can be more meaningful despite distance.

Personally, I felt that this project would be more beneficial to our relatives abroad. This would save them time (from choosing the perfect gift), money (it will save Balikbayan box shipping), and worries (if the gift would be sent to their loved ones timely) - allowing them to focus more on their jobs, and giving them more time to talk to and connect with us.

The ABS-CBN Kapamilya Gift-Together Website virtually allows the Filipino families to be together this Christmas. Ang wish ko, the Ensogo Deals list has a 1-month vacation entitlement tied up with the companies where my relatives are working for. ;)

Please do sign up and check out the site. I am already checking some interesting deals and adding them in my wishlist.

http://gift-together.abs-cbn.com/

If you like this post, click the like button or the Facebook Share button! Spread the love. Like my Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/ruthiliciousblog or follow my updates on Twitter @ruthilicious.

If you are reading this post somewhere, it is originally written by Ruth and published in www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com.

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Gift Guide for Fashionistas: Items from Solo, Ensembles and Freeway (at 50% off!)

So I am trying to fill out the Wish List Form I also created for the team. I kind of organizing the Kris Kringle, and Exchange Gift (and Christmas Party). Why is it so hard to think of something to give to yourself when you know someone will buy it for you?

Anyway, I thought I would share the Big Year-End Sale happening (started last Monday) for 3 of my favorite brands - Solo, Freeway, and Ensembles. These brands not only carry fab, fashionable clothes, but also accessories, bags and even knick knacks perfect as gifts.

Just to share some nice gifts (and my favorite things!) you can buy for your loved ones:

For Your Coworker

  Pupung's Mug (new from Pinoy Cartoonista Series)

Solo Store, Php495

(available colors of sleeve and cap - Red, Brown, Green and Black)

Check out more about Pupung's Collection here. 

 Click Read More to see more gift suggestions..
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Great Buys of the Week: Fringe Skirt and Combat Boots

I missed sharing my great buys! There are just so much shopping happening, pending blogs, experiences to share and photos to upload.

Anyway, just sharing my favorite great buys last week! I got ... *drum roll please!!*

Fringe Skirt! 

Wohoo!! Been looking for one. I know this is going to be a hit next season now. I was supposed to wear this last Saturday for our company Christmas Party, but I got lazy to dress up and decided to just sleep the night over. The theme was (you got it!) Masquerade - it looks like a lot are adapting the theme. I was not expecting the skirt to have that silver deets, but it is fine. A little too short for me, but still nice.

Been loving anything with fringe lately. The first one I got is the KISS Fringe Top from Forever21 - check out here.

Click Read More to know where I got it!

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Blog Giveaway: Win 1 of the 6 Bangle Sets from India and Pakistan!

I really am happy, and ecstatic when friends tell me that they read my blog; more so, readers who are complete strangers to me. So imagine my happy meter going over board to 100 when one of my readers sent me a proposal asking if there is a chance if she can sponsor a simple give-away for my readers.

Who wouldn't be excited to see this? Each set costs around Php1,000!

 

The initial note was received last March, but it was only last month did we get to finalize everything. I met her in Eastwood where I worked, and I so appreciate the effort and time she lent just to meet me and for me to meet her family, including her pet dog! She is one of the work-at-home moms, who travels to different parts of the Asia to bring goods here in the country and sell them at really cheap prices.

Her online store is called Busy Sisters Gift Shop, and it aims to provide gifts for everyone, especially for busy people.

To join the give-away, click Read More.. 

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Gift Guide for Professionals: Parker Pen 5th Technology

I always love receiving handwritten notes as much as I love writing one too. It carries more emotion to read something from the paper, than that from the tab or mobile phone. Do you feel the same?

It excites me every time I visit museums, and find old hand-written notes of famous people - caring less if it is written in a language that I do not understand. The yellowish paper. The playful strokes of letter "g". The smudges of ink. The folds and creases. The characters that I seldom see. 

That's why I still keep the few notes and postcards I receive from people who still value the experience of writing.

 

Postcards from friends from Switzerland, Spain and India who 

were assigned in Cagayan de Oro for consulting project

 

 A thank you note from the Writer's Block Phils. ;)

Technology and innovation probably brought us to the paper-and-pen-less world, but it is technology that would let people to (once again) enjoy the art of writing. Parker, leading manufacturer of stylish, innovative and quality pens introduces the Parker 5th Technology - the world's first writing system that answers the usual writing needs. 

Click Read More to see the new Parker 5th Technology innovation...

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Find Out What's on 12-12-12 - Biggest Live Event

It is December 12, 2012 officially, Manila Time. I got an important announcement. No, it is not yet the end of the world - and I have not changed carreers and started predicting the future.

On 12-12-12 (December 12, 2012) 7:30 PM Eastern Standard Time (that's December 13, 2012 8:30 AM, Manila Time), tune in to Star World as there would be an explosion. There is a big event happening and being aired live from Madison Square Garden. A live Benefit Concert for the benefit of victims of Hurricane Sandy and Star World is delivering this most widely distributed live musical event in history.

A little story about Hurricane Sandy - it was not in the news when I received the information about Hurricane Sandy (I seriously didn't have time to watch the news). It was in the office. The big boss sent an urgent note advising us to call our assignees in the affected area to ensure that they are safe, and if they needed any help. I was glad that I was back in Manila; as I heard that the storm was also badly felt in Toronto. The goal is to account each and every one of our assignees. We were happy to know that everyone was safe, even my relatives, friends and families. BUT there are some who got badly affected. So here comes the music bringing good deeds for good benefits.

The 12-12-12 features Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who, and Paul McCartney (the real Paul McCartney?! yeah, I once got addicted reading stories about the Faul and Paul McCartney). - I heard this guy will do the closing.

To know which celebrities are taking part, click Read More..

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Who is Ready for Wendy's BBQnator?

So, I found myself inside the cab on a way to Wendy's Greenbelt 1. The invite says I would be meeting the BBQnator. The name sounds like a wrestler, I know. It sounds big, and strong. I got worried. As usual, I only had 2 hours of sleep. It was an afternoon event.

So I arrived just in time, and I saw blogger friends I haven't seen for the longest time. I am that inactive in attending events! The setting was perfect. Wendy's is one of my favorite fastfood chains! Back in College, we used to eat at that big Wendy's store in Nagtahan. I remember the Salad Bar. My best friend Charlene and I always ate this at SM Megamall after a good movie. We even have a strategy to make it taller. I miss the old days.

I love that Wendy's stayed stronger with 29 years in the business. Amazing right? Wendy's has always been there - despite so many new burger stores. Now, here's a new burger for Wendy's loyals - meet the BBQnator. 

Looking at the pic I took makes me sooo hungry!

Click Read More to know more about BBQnator..

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Holiday Sweets from GoNuts Donuts

I am not your most famous blogger, like Chuvaness who probably gets gifts everyday sent to her home. So imagine my joy when I found these sweets from GoNuts Donuts sitting at our dining table.

I was running late to attend another event, so I just took a quick photo and posted on Twitter. Sending my loves and thank yous to our friends from Go Nuts Donuts and social media! I asked my mom and brother to NOT touch the goods just yet. I know they were itching and as excited as I am! Good thing we don't have kids at home, otherwise, I wouldn't have anything to blog today.

Go Nuts Donuts sent me two boxes of these sweets and a box of mystery sweets! They are soo pretty I don't want to touch them! My mom was just telling me how much effort and time the staff had put in to create one donut!

Click Read More to know what's more from Go Nuts Donuts..

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(Sweet) Dinner at Sweet Bella

When my bloggie friend, Ferds told me to come to his event at Sweet Bella with an empty stomach, I thought it was just one of the releases they tell the guests just to get the commitment that they will come to the event. After all, he works in PR, he basically knows what to say to sell products and events.

It was not my first time to dine at Sweet Bella (check out my first Sweet Bella experience here). My first Sweet Bella experience was not all praises. We were loyal with our favorite coffee and breakfast place. But we got hypnotized by its really good dessert offerings. But I know we will not just eat desserts that night..

When I got to the Greenbelt 5 Sweet Bella Cafe, I was greeted with a warm ambiance - light (and I mean very light) mellow lighting, soothing music and mostly happy diners enjoying their meals and desserts. The server asked what aperitif should I like - wow, how many years ago the last time I heard and used that term, aperitif? How many events and fine restaurants I had been to, and it was only now did I get to be offered an aperitif? (a drink usually serve to whet the appetite). And here's what I got. I am too excited to taste it that I didn't even get the chance to take note of its name.

What would come outside from the kitchen is the next question.. In the true essence of French Dining, we were served with appetizers.

Click Read More to read the rest of the story, and see more yummy pics..

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Morning with Aetas, IBM Pampanga Branch Opening and Diamond Dash

I dropped dead as soon as I got home yesterday. It was a fun and productive day. I attended 3 events - all happened in Pampanga. If someone will ask me to describe it, it is heart-warming, motivating and fun.

I was late for the 7:00 AM call time but the team was kind enough to pick me up somewhere in EDSA on the way to Pampanga. I worked until morning while nursing a painful lower back. But I felt that my energy bar was in full. I seldom attend events but I just couldn't say "no" to an event invite by (who else), Comms Team of my employer, IBM Philippines. I filed for a leave, and I am just happy that I have such a supportive management team (well, I can worry about my deliverables later, but I have already worked earlier this morning).

 

Back to the story yesterday, I boarded the van with friends from CyberPress and Jeman (blogger friend). Traffic was smooth and easy, and the only commotion I know that morning was the boys raving about and praising the iOS and bashing the Android. I seldom visit the Northern part of Luzon, and I am amazed with how the roads, buildings and cities are being developed.

Our first stop was at the Sampang Bato Elementary School. We will be donating KidSmart Computers and we will teach them a few lessons! The last KidSmart Donation activity I attended was the one in Indonesia. But I got more excited when I found out we will be teaching Aetas friends!! As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the school principal and kids who rendered a really cute song for us.

Click Read More to read more stories..

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Aria Cucina Italiana: New Kid's Offerings and Contest

When I was young, I joined this "Color a Placemat" Contest for this popular fastfood chain. We didn't get an update after my submission. I remember one of the crew members telling me to do good at it. I never really aimed to win it. I rememember enjoying the very act of coloring the placemat.

Until now, I still find joy in reading restaurant placemats and doing the puzzles and mazes. Aria Cucina Italiana, the famous Italian Restaurant which originated in Boracay, has cooked up something realy nice for the kids. Yey! Aside from the new offerings, Aria Cucina is also giving away MYOP (Make Your Own Pizza) Party for 4!

Click Read More to know the details..

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Wish for an Appliance

So I am thinking what to put on my wish list for the office Kris Kringle. I find it hard this time - probably because I already got the means to buy what I need, or probably because the most important things to me cannot be bought.. Melodrama. Or, just or.. probably what I really want worth more than the agreed price. I am thinking of flying to India and/or Europe next year. But before I can do that, I need to save money and find more ways to earn more.

If only I am as domesticated as my mom, I could have probably just asked for a kitchen appliance. Speaking of kitchen appliances, your wish can be granted just by writing a note to Santa. The Electrolux Contest is still on!

Read the deets:

1. Get you thoughts organized, and go to www.electroluxman.com/santaforaday

2. Write a letter to Santa (500 words) using the online form and answer the question,  

"What Electrolux appliance would you like to gift someone special this Christmas and why?”

3. You can upload a video, photo or any media to make Santa pick your request! ;)

4. You can choose the Electrolux Appliance from refrigerators, air conditioners, washers and more. See the list here.

5. And don't forget to put me as your referrer - RUTH DELA CRUZ or ruthilicious - as I would also be your Santa ;)  (as always, I will share a few of my blessings and pick a winner from the list of those who would put me as referrer)

  

Deadline would be on December 10. 3 winners will get their wish granted.  The winner with the highest score will be given a chance to be a Santa for a Day as the Electrolux team will accompany him or her to personally deliver the prize to the nominated recipient.

Pretty easy, yes? 

Now, probably I can just check what's on the appliance list and probably I can get an idea on what to ask this holiday season..

To know more about the contest, like the Electrolux Little White Book,

Follow Electrolux on Twitter: twitter.com/ElectroluxPH.

www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook  

www.electrolux.com.ph  

If you like this post, click the like button or the Facebook Share button! Spread the love. Like my Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/ruthiliciousblog or follow my updates on Twitter @ruthilicious.

If you are reading this post somewhere, it is originally written by Ruth and published in www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com.

 

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Breakfast Buffet at Holiday Inn, Markham

Waking up with the same breakfast everyday could be tiring. At some point, I felt that. But thinking about the fresh brewed coffee, the crispy bacon strips and sausages (which is my perfect breakfast set!), while having just donuts today could be really painful.

People had been asking me to write about the Holiday Inn Breakfast Buffet. Remember I shared with you my hotel review and pictures of my room in Holiday Inn, Markham where I stayed for 3 weeks. Read about it here. Although my best breakfast experience was in Hotel Kempinski, I am not disappointed with the Holiday Inn, Markham's. The breakfast offering is decent and my friends claimed that Holiday Inn, Markham has the best bacon strips!

More stories and pictures, click Read More..


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California is Cool

I am not (yet) blogging from California, and the weather is still hot where I am. This blog is about a new store format. A little introduction (or insights)..  I love that shops today incorporate architecture and interior design in building their store and showcasing their products. Chic stores have chandeliers and candlesticks, lingerie stores have drawers to keep their cute and sexy pieces and there is even a beauty store in Toronto which has sink where you can wash your face to try their beauty products. The stores now are not just mirrors, hangers and lights.

The stores are even getting make-overs - just like Mossimo, as it launches the California is Cool. (There goes the California is Cool story..). The new store format shows California cool ambiance that reflects a street-style combined with beach lifestyle culture. For some reason that appeals to me - probably because I want to look and feel younger.


See here are some pictures of the store which re-opened last November 1st.

 

Click Read More to see more photos..

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Chateau 1771

After graduating from College, I enjoyed my life being a certified bum, while my friends distributed their resume's to the finest hotels and restaurants in the country. Most of my friends worked in Chateau 1771 - that nice, classy restaurant in El Pueblo.

Oh yeah, I remember El Pueblo.. I remember the good old days.. El Pueblo was once the place "to be seen". The TGIFriday's and Tequila Joe's were once favorite spots.

I remember I also applied in the same restaurant, and they asked me to do a "walk-through duty" for one day. This is to make me feel if I would like to work for Chateau 1771. What can I say? Knowing the elaborate table setting and proper stance are required to work for this restaurant. As I finished my 8-hour training that day, I realized I would love to be on the receiving end of the fine service.

So after almost a decade (I am that old! Graduation Day feels like only yesterday!), Chateau 1771 remains unshaken, evoking the feel-good vibe of exquisite flavors of Swiss, Italian, and French for over two decades (can you imagine?)

Now residing in the posh Greenbelt Mall,  Chateau 1771 is still the place to go when you think of fine dining. So before the year comes to a close and in preparation for Chateau's 25th year anniversary next year, Executive Chef Vicky Rose Pacheco rounds out the quarter with a new batch of dishes brining back old flavors, which will surely change the way a gourmet food is defined.

See some good food below that would make you want to go to Chateau 1771. 

Click Read More to know what's old and new in Chateau 1771..
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Speck's CandyShell Flip for iPhone5: Case of the Year

For those of my friends who are sporting their new iPhone 5 - might be interested to buy Speck's CandyShel Flip.

Available in the following stores: Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, iStudio, Switch, iStore, iCenter, Mobile 1, iGig, The A Shop, SencoLink.

If you like this post, click the like button or the Facebook Share button! Spread the love. Like my Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/ruthiliciousblog or follow my updates on Twitter @ruthilicious.

If you are reading this post somewhere, it is originally written by Ruth and published in www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com.

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Great Buys of the Week: Shoes from Payless Outlet Store

Sitting beside someone you like as he drives - you could wish for the time to freeze and just not stop. But if there is one thing that could make me want to end the moment, it would just be - shops.

As we passed the place called Solenad, with outlet stores waving and screaming at me to stop, my first reaction was to call the other car and asked if they wanted to take a peek at what's these stores are offering. So we agreed. To shop.

Finding the mall's entrance was a challenge. The stores open at 10 in the morning.  But we got in and waited.

This happened last week - an overnight stay in my friend's rest house in Tagaytay with (as my friend puts it), good food and company of great friends. I cannot remember the last time I was in Tagaytay, so I am surprised to see alot of developments. It looks alot like the city. For several occassions, I had been invited to the events in Nuvali - to explore the place, feed the fish, and ride a boat.. but for all those occassions, I was not available.

So it was nice to finally get to see the hailed Nuvali - and even take home some good buys from the Solenad outlet stores. It is been a while since I blogged about my great buys - but that doesn't mean I stopped shopping.

So what have I got?

 Click Read More to see more.. ;)

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Write a Letter and Be a Santa for a Day!

What if you could write a note to Santa and get a chance to have your gift granted? Remember those contest and programs on TV which they give whatever the letter sender is asking - and they give more than what was requested. 

This Holiday Season, Electrolux will be your Santa Claus - and it is no secret! Simply write him a letter and choose what appliance you want to give to your loved ones! Plus, Electrolux offers you an opportunity to give the gift of comfort and convenience at home to someone dear to you in the form of Electrolux Appliances. 


Click Read More to know the mechanics..
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Kotex x Love Bayo's Modern Fairytale

I don't have a fairytale to share, just yet. Let me just share I how I first encountered Bayo and Kotex. I was in first year High School when I first got a Bayo top (do the math, and you will realize I am that old!) ;) A year after, that's when I started to add Kotex in our grocery list. Kotex, which I thought is the most fashionable sanitary pad in the country. Think of its color, style and packaging.

And yes, I continuously buy Kotex, among other brands of napkins; but after graduation and when I started working in the corporate world, I thought Bayo was too young for me. I don't know why I felt the need to dress all stiff and smart during those years, and it is ironic that I wanted to look and dress younger now.

So I was excited and mesmerized when I witnessed the unveiling of the Modern Fairytale collection by 18-year old Slyvia Park who won the first ever SoFA Young Designer Competition for Bayo Design Collection.

 The launch was held in M Cafe last week and celebrated with hors d'oeuvres and Chardonnay.

 Click Read More, to see the collection..
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Say It Sweeter (and Bigger) with Toblerone

Chocolates. I cannot just say no to chocolates and I cannot just say no to a chocolate event, and one that is organized by Toblerone, I am sure to go (especially I was invited by our friends Ogilvy who won the Agency of the Year award at the 11th Philippine Quill Awards - Congratulations guys!). So I went, even if I was late. I only had two hours of sleep that day. I am back to attending events recently, after we got the thumbs up from the Hypercare period for our project in the office.

What are the things that come to mind when you think of chocolates? Childhood treat, romantic moves, and calories, probably when you are getting older. If there is anything that chocolate represents, it is "lambing".

 
So Toblerone invited 3 unique voices to a storytelling session- columnist and entrepreneur, Twee Gonzales; Rock-end founder and writer Gang Badoy-Capati, and actress and blogger, Saab Magalona to share their personal vignettes on Pinoy lambing.

 

Photo Credit

 Click Read More on how you can give lambing more..

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Uniqlo SM North EDSA Pre-Opening: Are You Ready to Shop on Friday?

Guess where I shopped last night? Uniqlo SM North EDSA!

The store held a special pre-opening event for the media guests, friends, and bloggers after the awarding/meet-and-greet event for the winners of Uniqlo's Ultimate Fashionista. I am sure you remember that the store was all covered with tarpaulins with entries from the Facebook Contest. A friend told me he saw my picture there. Oh, that's nice of Uniqlo to include my picture, as I think I was the only one wearing a tube top when all the other contestants were covered with Fall/Winter Collection from Uniqlo. 

Speaking of Fall/Winter Collection.. that was what welcomed me when I entered the Uniqlo SM North EDSA store, accompanied with accommodating Uniqlo staff who were handing me shopping baskets.
 

.

 Click Read More to see more of best buys..
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The IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Recipient in Philippines

I was supposed to write about a shopping experience and store pre-opening, but while I edit some pictures of the event, let me just share something, uhm, really interesting and essential to our society. 

Before I start with the story, can I just share that my commute from Eastwood (where I work) to Manila took more than 2 hours? That is crazy, and during this time I wish I could fly. Literally fly and land at home, and figuratively, fly to another city where traffic doesn't mean "heavy traffic". Anyway, so this experience is somewhat related to the news I received..

... IBM identified Makati City and 30 other cities worldwide as recipients of its Smarter Cities Challenge grants for 2013!

Launched in 2011, the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge is a three-year, 100-city, US$50-million competitive grant program.  The program, which is IBM's single-largest philanthropic initiative, assigns a team of six top IBM experts to each winning city to study a key issue identified by the city's leadership. 

Well before the team arrives for its three-week pro bono consulting engagement valued at approximately US$400,000, the IBM volunteers are already hard at work studying the city's issue.  Upon arrival, the team works with city officials to analyze data, and solicit the input of dozens of local agencies and advocacy groups.  IBM then provides detailed recommendations for how the city might efficiently and effectively address the issue.

For year-three of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge, cities around the world once again competed vigorously to benefit from IBM's expertise. The winning cities proposed innovative projects and areas of focus. These included strategies that address:

· Economic and Workforce Development -- reducing local dependence on a single industry
· Social Services - creating an ecosystem that supports independent living for a growing senior citizen community
· Sustainability - setting policies around billing rates, electric vehicle use, and solar power generation on an upgraded power grid
· Capital Budget Planning - enabling citizens to request expenditures, while analyzing their potential impact
· Urban Planning - taking a more systematic, data-driven approach to housing policy, downtown revitalization, zoning, and permits

Some facts, you might find interesting..

In 2012, IBM provided expert counsel to 33 cities worldwide who had earned IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grants.  These included engagements in:

· Cheongju, Korea, where IBM recommended smarter transportation strategies
· Dortmund, Germany, and Malaga Spain, where IBM formulated plans for economic, workforce, skills development
· Jacksonville, USA, where IBM outlined steps for downtown revitalization
· Louisville, USA, where IBM showed how the city could use data to identify, predict and mitigate conditions that trigger asthma
· Nairobi, Kenya, where IBM created a plan for traffic management 
· Geraldton, Australia, where IBM suggested ways for the city to become a leader in smart grid technology adoption and digital services
· Curitaba, Brazil, where IBM suggested approaches to sustainability and citizen engagement

In the first two years of the Smarter Cities Challenge, IBM completed work in 64 cities globally, deploying nearly 400 of its most talented experts who delivered concrete and measurable results to winning cities.  

 Smarter Cities Challenge is a variant of IBM's Corporate Service Corps (please click the IBM Indonesia 3!!!!), a pro bono consulting program that assists government with projects that intersect business, technology, and society.  Since its launch in 2008, Corporate Service Corps has sent more than 2,000 of IBM's top talent based in 50 countries on more than 200 team assignments in 30 countries. 

Ok, I feel goosebumps reading the description of the IBM Corporate Service Corp. Oh yes, I am part of this.. remember my Indonesia assignment? =)  Lookie, Tom and Javier's recommendations are being considered by the client. The project is to improve traffic situation in Makassar.


And the news is just perfect timing as I get intouch again with the IBM CSC Philippines 12 whose assignment I facilitated before their deployment in Cagayan De Oro last September. Read their blog here.  They worked with DAR, MASS SPECC and CHED. Unfortunately, I was in Toronto for business travel and wasn't able to meet them.

So this is just good news! I remember traffic was also our chosen topic for our brain-storming activity for Harvard University Study. We thought that traffic affects business, personal lives and other aspects of our lives. So if traffic will be resolved, we can be more efficient and effective in everything we do. 

So that's all for the traffic-y post.. what do you say? 

  

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If you are reading this post somewhere, it is originally written by Ruth and published in www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com.

 

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Block Screening of Twilight: Breaking Dawn + Win Tickets + Freebie

Yeah, yeah. You have seen them - on TV,  posters, preview in movie theaters.. they are running after you, because they (Bella, Jacob and Edward) want you to see them in the big screen before everything else does!

Book a seat to the Block Screening of Breaking Dawn Part 2 on Nov 15 and Get a FREE Limited Edition BYS Bracelet and Surprise Gifts from SMART! But here's the treat, I will be giving away two tickets to one lucky reader. 

November 15, 2012 2:30 PM Screening Cinema 1, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center.
This give-away is brought to you by BYS, Smart and Buyanihan.com

  a Rafflecopter giveaway



Tickets cost P700 each. A part of the proceeds will be donated to Bantay Kalikasan of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.

Please note that screening will start on time, so I suggest that you come 30 minutes before the screening schedule.

SCREENING SCHEDULE:

1:00 PM - tickets for this schedule are only available at BYS SM outlets
2:30 PM - if you want to watch on this schedule, join my give-away!
10:30 PM

 

HOW TO RESERVE TICKETS:

1.      Call +632 886-6190 and look for Bev or Lhevi.
2.      Text 09175910395.
3.      Visit us at Buyanihan Digital, 1010 Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino
St. corner Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City.
4.      Reserve online at Buyanihan.com.



About Breaking Dawn Part 2

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (commonly referred to as Breaking Dawn – Part 2) is the upcoming 2012 romantic fantasy film directed by Bill Condon and based on the novel Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer.

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Hello, Hello Kitty! Welcome to Manila!

Hello Kitty has arrived in Manila! No joke! I was there when Hello Kitty arrived in a fancy car, welcomed by mall-rats, kids, Hello Kitty fanatics and celebrities last Saturday at the Atrium of SM The Block.

 

It was almost a blur as red, pink and gold confetti came showering as Hello Kitty walked down the stage and got mobbed by media.

Even celebrities like Elmo, Saab, and Maxene Magalona were happy to see Hello Kitty in person. I admit that I am not really a big fan of Hello Kitty, but that afternoon I felt like a kid as I get excited to see the most popular character of Sanrio.

 

Click Read More to see more of Hello Kitty..

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The Sights, Sounds, and Scenes in Downtown Toronto

I started this draft last week, and only got to finish today.. 

So, the weekend is over. Almost. Unfortunately for us who support Canada expats, we do not follow Philippine holiday. Long weekend will rarely happen.

Tomorrow, back to the office. I had already accepted the difficulties of this work, but I wish I could just work from home and not worry about traffic, pollution and evil intentions. I used to tell my parents that I never wanted to work in another country because I felt safer here - but everything has changed after the trip.

I realized that although we are a free country, people never really feel the freedom - we cannot just freely use our phones outside when commuting, or even wear a skirt without men looking at you - there is not even a clean, fresh air to breathe, and you and your schedule are controlled by traffic.

When you get home, you see stories and news of killings, theft and juvenile crimes.

I am ranting. Again. I am just sad and frustrated about the situation in the country. But during this time that I am feeling helpless and down, I turn to my album and look at the pictures of the fun, interesting things I saw during my trip.

Downtown Toronto is one of the most visited places. It is the Central Business District in Toronto, 

Let me share some scenes and things I see in Downtown..

Batman and Spiderman are always in Downtown not to save the world, 

but to make your commute fun!

 

The streets are always busy and I only get to see this

after the rush hour..

The Yonge Street (pronounced as young)

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