Vote (Wisely) Early Tru 7-Eleven's "7-Election Campaign"

Looks like 7-Eleven made election day earlier than scheduled. I found these nice cups that enables one to cast their votes and show their support to their senatorial candidates. A purchase of 16 oz (473 ml) GULP! cup enables you to cast your vote.  The gig actually started last month, and gives a preview on who is leading in the race.

I remember seeing Election Cups from previous presidential election. In 7-Eleven US, this kind of campaign has been implemented since 2000. Interesting facts - Obama had a BIG GULP over McCain in 2008, and outcupped Romney in 2012.

For Philippine Election 2013, 7-Eleven cups will allow customers to vote/show support for the coalition/party instead of to individual candidates.

So there are 3 cups..

From the counter alone, we can tell who's team is leading..

Team Pinoy
Team Una
All In-One-Cup/Independent

So how to cast your vote?

Click Read More to find out how this fun voting works.. 

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Help Blood Brothers Aid, Inc Create Awareness About Hemophilia

So a friend in the office who just decided to take up medicine just received a good news - she passed the entrance exams for medical course (congratulations girl!). How big it is to have an MD after your name (like Doogie Howser, MD) - of course, I remember the sweet kid (and I thought of re-watching the episodes! Ah, nostalgia..)

Pic from Coolspotters.com

Good for people who have decided to make the move in making their dreams happen, and better for people who means dealing with illnesses every working day of their lives. I have high respect to them.  I fear the sight of blood, and I know I can never be a nurse, or a doctor. It was a surprise that I can get by dealing with my monthly period - and yes, I fear the cycle. 

I therefore conclude, I can never be a vampire too. I can never be a Bella - and I can never make an Edward and Jacob fall in love with me. 

Pic from www.apartmenttherapy.com

Speaking of blood, April is considered World Hemophilia Month and Blood Brothers Aid Inc., a non-profit organization based in the Philippines, aims to raise awareness about hemophilia in the country and to get more Filipinos to recognize the problem and help through blood or monetary donations.

Do you know someone who has Hemophilia? It is a condition characterized by the inability to clot blood - like wound taking a while to heal, example during tooth extraction. Quick check on myself - I have good blood clotting activity. 

Click Read More to know more about Hemophilia..

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Ensembles' Wear My Design 2013

Looks like the Ensembles' Wear My Design contest last year was such a big success, and the team is launching it once again this year!

The 5 Winning Dresses comprised the Ensembles' Spring 2013 Collection. Wow, that's big a achievement! How nice it is to say that - Hey, I have my creations in Ensembles. Check out the store nearest you! I wish I have that talent and skills in creating clothes designs.

For this year, 8 grand winners will be announced and their creations will be part of the Ensemble's Spring 2014 Collection.  Each winner will receive cash and gift certificates from Ensembles, plus Special Gift packs from wonderful partners - VMV Hypoallergenics and Piandre Salon. Each winner shall also be given one produced dress of his/her design (in his/her choice of color and size.) The winning pieces will be reproduced by Ensembles for the Wear My Design 2014 Spring Dresses Collection and the name of the grand winners will be featured on the Ensembles Wear My Design hangtag (how cool is that?!)

If the prizes are already making your creative juices working and your minds are now full of fireworks, click Read More to know how to submit an entry..

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The Daniel Padilla

I was scanning TV shows yesterday afternoon and I caught Daniel Padilla on The Buzz. Boy Abunda was just telling this kid that it seems like everyone adores him - mother, father, grannies, kids, teens and even boys of his age.

Ha, so it is true. Fact is, it is not just my mother who adores this kid. I wouldn't be surprised if mom starts to join the Friends of KathNiel Club. She watched the teleserye until the end and she was one of the firsts to watch their movie! Daniel Padilla so much reminds me of his uncle, Robin Padilla. Probably, if I were on my teens, I would also have a big poster of him posted in my room.

My 7-year old niece is also a big fan. Her brother loves to tease him and plays Daniel's songs. Although she denies it - and tells everyone that "hindi ko naman sya mahal. Friends lang" (I don't love him. We're just friends!)". Seriously, where did she get that?!

What makes this boy click? Probably the bad boy image. He's all that rough and rowdy with his husky voice, but gets too sweet to Kathryn Bernardo - and we just fell inloved with his moves all over again. And by the way, I love Kathryn Bernardo - she so much fits the description of a "teen star". So girl, please, no kissing scenes yet. ;)

Some kilig pictures.. (I missed that feeling of kilig! When was the last time I felt kilig?! I feel old. Argh.)

And so I heard, Daniel gave Kathryn an expensive bag, and Kathryn in return purchased a really nice guitar for Daniel. Spell sweet!

Anyhow, Daniel will have a big concert on April 30th, and  Bum Equipment is one of the sponsors. I heard that tickets had been sold out, but they are re-printing more tickets to meet the demands.

Do you want to know how to get free tickets to the Daniel Padilla concert? Click Read More.. 

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What's Up and Winners

Hello blogger - I missed you! I have been on MIA from social media and events. Oftentimes, I don't even get to check my Facebook - or my personal email (sorry for the delay in my responses). It has been a crazy month. And now that I am back, I cannot wait to share my stories.

If you can let me share a one-month worth of status message, it would read like this - I need to see my doctor, but I met a banker instead and opened my first investment. Yey! I missed my niece and nephew - that I let my world shut down, and connect with them since I only get to see them once a year. They are like expat's kids. Speaking of expats, I missed seeing a friend who is a wife of an expat who was here on vacation. I need to connect to my friends really soon. I noticed that it is all about work and home for me recently. And at work - I give guidance and answer inquiries - but the question that is most difficult to answer, was the one from  my boss' boss  - what is your career plan? Moment of silence. I am happy with what I have, with what I do. I am not aiming to be promoted. Not now. But I can always say yes. But the irony of life, it looks like I got promotions. A different promotion. My name (and pictures) had been in the recent organization communications. I wish I could share them with you, but maybe next time. It is about a global program I have participated in last year. And guess, I was even invited as a guest speaker. You see, work is fun for me. But when you found out that the people you are working with decided to move, that makes you want to make the move too. Move. The action I need to do to the packages I received from the last month awaiting their reviews. What's keeping you busy?

Before I even start with more stories, let me announce the winners of the give-aways I ran last month. Thank you so much to everyone who joined, and for the patience. I had to verify the winners' entries before I can make this announcement.. So, without further ado..

Click Read More to see if you won!
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RCBC launches RCBC Fully Booked Credit Card for Book-Lovers

Credit cards may be the biggest antagonists for some, but I love credit cards. I have good relationship with credit card companies.

Now I am thinking of getting an RCBC card too - the pioneering credit card brand - especially it has partnered with Fully Booked - country's leading bookstore. Now suddenly, I miss doing book reviews. 

Yes, I may be one of the few who still love reading actual books than ebooks, and I enjoy making trips to the bookstore. The smell of the books and its crisp cover are simply joys for me - even if the pages sometimes give me paper cut.

Well, the new RCBC Fully Booked Credit Card will give book-lovers to some of the most unique finds and latest releases from Fully Booked.

Click Read More for more information about RCBC Fully Booked Credit Card..

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Electrolux's Everyday Escape - New Appliances

I was just telling my friend last week, that my last visit to the beach was a few years ago. I never realized that just by attending an event in Makati Shangri-la would bring me to a great escape as Electrolux transformed Rizal Ballroom to an exotic island!

Before the event, guests were treated with mocktails and canapes as we enjoy simple entertainment. Great escape from the stressful challenges at work. I needed it.

Then, suprise! surprise! Electrolux raffled off amazing prizes - spa packages, and Electrolux appliances. And that was just the beginning of the event. 

Electrolux Philippines Marketing Manager, Terry Sales and 

Product Manager, Andrea Pionilla with event host

It is always nice to attend Electrolux events (see some Electrolux events I attended here). It is always fun, exciting and full of surprises - plus, Electrolux peeps are always warm and friendly. It was nice to see these familiar faces, and I am glad that they are happy to see me too ;)

Click Read More to know what Everyday Escape Electrolux is offering..

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A Taste of Angus Beef and One Way Ticket to France at SM Supermarket

Looks like cooking and serving Angus Beef recipes would be more often now as the best tasting meat known by mankind is now available at SM Supermarket.

A little info: "angus" refers to to a type of cattle native to Angus and Aberdeenshire, Scotland. They are hornless cows known for having the marbled meat (nice fat layered flesh) which gives a tender and juicy taste.

I was at the launching and got to taste really good recipes from using Angus Beef. It is surprisingly juicy, and tender.

I guess, it would be easier to make tender steaks on weekdays, juicy roasts on Saturday and even great-tasting burgers on Sunday.

The Certified Angus Beef will be initially available in selected SM Supermarket branches like Makati, Megamall A & B, and soon  in other SM Supermarkets nationwide.

During the event we were also treated to a one-way ticket to France! Wohooo!!

Click Read More to know more about Chateau de France..

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SumoSam, Olympia: The Old Bar is Now a Sushi Bar

On the way to the new Sumosam Olympia branch, I kept on asking my blogger friends where exactly was the venue. They kept on referring to the old Robot bar (that bar which was owned by Tim Yap). I know I got the place correctly, but I knew this place as Wasabi bar. Do the math. Yes, I am that old. I had probably outgrown the night life when the old Wasabi bar became the Robot bar - which is now the newest SumoSam branch.

When I entered the 25th SumoSam branch, it was like entering the bar. The store preserved most of the interior - the set up is a departure from the casual dining restaurant that SumoSam has. There are couches with throw pillows, glass walls and a lot of bulbs! Really cute.

It is the biggest dining location about 300 sqm and SumoSam will put this into good use as they invite diners to the Daily Buffet at Php499 per person for lunch and dinner. Expect fresh salad, sushi, ramen, tempura. I always love SumoSam, you can check my food fest post here about what good sushi to order and here about the other food you can order from Sumosam.

SumoSam is also ready for summer, as ice pops with flavors like green tea, choco banana, pistachio, red bean and black sesame will be available.

Click Read More to know what to expect from SumoSam Olympia..

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Killing Lincoln this April 14th

This blog post is not about the unpublished master plan to kill the ex-US President Lincoln, but a release to share where we can watch the documentary/scripted drama featuring one of the most significant events in American History.

National Geographic Channel has set the Philippine premiere of “Killing Lincoln,” for April 14, 2013, marking the 148th anniversary of the assassination of US President Abraham Lincoln.

We have seen how Lincoln became a Vampire Slayer

 And how he was as a US President through the Lincoln movie (see my review)

Click Read More to know more about Killing Lincoln.. 

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Ruthilicious x Eazy Fashion Caramia Pop Flowers & Creams Dress Set Giveaway

I was browsing through some stuff from Eazy Fashion, and found this nice Dress and Cardigan Set. I think it would be nice to wear this summer - dinner date, stroll around the mall, or even a walk at the park.

I am surprised to receive a note from Eazy Fashion this morning telling me that the store is sponsoring a give-away, and giving away this set! Wow, I am surprised, and I thought of not running the give-away and keeping the prize. Just kidding. ;)

So here it is.. Please, please, support the sponsor and follow the easy steps to win the set!

Click Read More to know how to win entries.. 

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Club New You's #RocktheFatAway

If you have been following me on Twitter - @ruthilicious, you might have noticed that I kept on tweeting last Saturday with hashtag #RocktheFatAway. People might think I don't need to lose weight, but I seriously want to rock and stay healthy.

Roche Xenical invited us to the launching of the new campaign from Club New You through an intimate event in Holiday Inn Suites Makati. 

The friendly people from Roche welcomed us and feed us information about health and wellness. Some interesting facts:

• Obesity and overweight rank fifth among leading risks for global deaths according to WHO. 
• Almost 25% of Filipino Adults are overweight and 6% of those are obese, per study of Food and Nutrition Research Institute.
• We are creating a nation of heavyweights! with high risk disease factors - respiratory and heart problems, live and gall bladder diseases and diabetes and cancer. 
• It is life threatening and lifestyle threatening - I know people who refuse to travel because they are afraid that airlines, boats and transportation could not accommodate them - how sad is that? 
• We can do something about this by making the right choices. 

Roche and Xenical partnered with Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity to launch a campaign to help people rock the body. The campaign reminds people the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight requires holistic approach that includes healthy diet, regular physical activity and taking care of all aspects of well-being.

It is nice that the event/campaign is not just solely focused on taking Xenical. During the event, the team also answered questions about the product. I always hear about Xenical, and I know some friends who have taken it.

Some learnings about Xenical:

Click Read More to know more about Rocking the Fat Away..

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Easy Shopping at Eazy Fashion

I love online shopping even before there is Zalora, Sulit.com and AyosDito. With more, and more online shops opening and even retail stores introducing their very own online shops, it is like a playground on cyberspace.

My involvement in shopping is not just as a buyer but as a seller too . I used to make accessories and sell them online. I took pictures of the pieces, wrote description, and market them online - mostly in Multiply and Ebay. I have high respect to online sellers who continuously sell stuff online, maintain their site and answer customers' queries - and get them involved. One of which is the Eazy Fashion Shop.

I got a note last month from Eazy Fashion introducing their site and a proposal to partner with me? I have to be honest, I was a bit cautious as I know there are alot of scams online. Who am I, anyway? I am just your ordinary blogger. Oftentimes, the notes and proposals from big brands and sponsors just surprise me.

Click Read More to know what I think of Eazy Fashion.. 

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My First Sample Room Package

You know me, I love discounts, best deals and samples. Who doesn't? That's why I am excited when I discovered the SampleRoom.ph.

Sample Room is a members-only site which allows members to request for samples of featured items by using points. Upon registration, you earn 100 points, and you can use these points to request for samples of featured products - from skin care, diet products, etc. Depending on the size and price of the product, required points to request for a sample ranges from 20 to 65 (that's the highest I have seen so far). You basically need to pay for Php100 shipping fee. Well, shipping information and rates are found here.

What is exciting, after you receive the product, you can post a review and once the admin has approved it, you will get your points back which will give you another chance to request for a sample of another product!

So I have registered a few months back, but I couldn't seem to take the right timing to request for samples. Whenever I check the site, I see that there are always zero available samples. How frustrating!

Until last Monday, I was lucky to check the site and saw Ceteleque Back Acne Spray with 30 plus available samples!

Click Read More to know how I got my first sample!

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ATM Skimming Modus Operandi - Almost a Victim

I want to start this blog with "once upon a time" but this is not a fairy tale, but it does have a happy ending. Anyway, the story started last month. We received an email from our HR Organizational Team warning us of the ATM Skimming Modus Operandi. The email contained safety tips and an announcement that some employees might have been affected of this - with their accounts being compromised. 

I just skimmed the email and it went straight to my Archive, I was thinking I would never be a victim of this scam. There are thousands of employees in our company, and millions of ATM users in the Philippines. Then again, what made me special?

Until, the witch came.. One fine day, before going home from work, I stopped at the ATM machine in the lobby of our office in Eastwood to withdraw money. The screen greeted me with Your account is invalid. I was thinking the machine was acting up and probably the bank was having difficulty connecting to my bank. I have a BDO Payroll account and I used an East West Bank ATM. I thought probably the system was down. I found a BDO ATM machine in Gateway and I tried my luck to withdraw money. But before I can even enter my PIN, the ATM had captured my card and the screen told me Your Account has been blocked.

Are you kidding me?

Click Read More to read the rest of the story...

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