Protect your liver against Hepatitis B

Posted on by jane

Hepatitis B is a silent killer. Many Filipinos may be carriers of this virus without manifesting any symptoms. In the Philippines, Hepatitis B affects about 16.7% of adult Filipinos. That translates to approximately 8 million people! If not treated, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) can develop into chronic liver disease leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. In more than two-thirds of all liver cancer cases in the Philippines, the cause is Hepatitis B, making it the second leading cancer killer here.

Young mothers should be especially vigilant against HBV because the most common way of being infected is through the passing of the virus from mother to child. This is not something many mothers know because HBV is more known for being contracted via blood transfusion.

For this reason, the Hepatology Society of the Philippines launched the B Aware Campaign which aims “to inform and holistically educate Filipinos about the disease so they can gain sufficient knowledge regarding this very common infection, and take action” says Dr. Eternity Labio, President of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines.

What are the steps that should be taken to protect one’s self and one’s children against Hepatitis B?

1. Be Tested – The most important first step is to go for testing

2. Be Vaccinated – Someone who tests negative can receive vaccination to prevent themselves from getting the infection. Parents are reminded to have their infants vaccinated within 24 hours of birth (this is different from when my own kids were still babies. We had to wait several months before giving the 3 HBV shots to them). This vaccine is mandatory under R.A. 10152 and is free for all infants. Vaccination at birth is the most effective way to prevent lifelong infection and liver cancer.

3. Be Treated – If you test positive, steps must be taken to prevent transmission of the infection as well as to prevent its complications to the liver. Ask your doctor if you need treatment. There are effective medications available to treat HBV.

World Health Organization and Hepatology Society of the Philippines members

Another concern over HBV is the seeming discrimination against those who have contracted it. According to Dr. Labio, one of the medical tests administered to those applying for employment here and abroad is a test for HBV. While the HIV test is still optional, the one for HBV is mandatory. It then puts those who test positive at a disadvantage in relation to other applicants. She says that there is still a lot that needs to be done to make people change this negative perception against HBV

The Hepatology Society of the Philippines invites Filipinos to join them in their B Aware Campaign. First, to educate the public on what it is all about, its symptoms, vaccines and treatments. Second, to get people to actually be tested, vaccinated and treated. And third, to change negative perception towards those who have contracted it.

Sharp Calculators launches the Search for the Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians 2015 (TOYM)

Posted on by jane

Do you know anyone who is a math wizard? Then give them and their school a heads-up to join the recently lauched search for the Top Outstanding Young Mathematicians 2015 (TOYM).

In the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report for 2013-14, the Philippines was ranked 96th out of 142 countries in perceived quality of Math and Science education. While that is a considerable improvement from 115th in a similar report for 2011-12, it is no comfort to know we lag far behind Hongkong (10th), Taiwan (11th), Malaysia (27th), Japan (34th) and even Indonesia  (35th). Singapore, as usual, continues to top this list. We can, and should, do more to inspire more young people to excel in Math and the sciences.
My youngest son loved Math. In fact, for a few years, he participated in the Mathematics Trainers Guild (MTG) Philippines and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) programs. On his second year in high school, the school shifted to Singapore Math. It was a huge leap…and a great one at that, on hindsight.

The importance of Math cannot be overemphasized. Beyond just being a subject that many consider challenging, Math is present in our daily lives. Wherever we turn, whatever we do, there is always an element of Math in life. But for the Philippines to be more competitive in this field, we need to provide an environment that nurtures smart minds and makes them strive for excellence in Math.

Sharp Calculators, through Collins International Trading Corporation, had launched a SHARP Minds program 6 years ago in partnership with MTG and MTAP, to uplift the standard of education, particularly in the teaching of Math subjects.

Mr. Lucero Ong, AVP-Collins International Trading Corp.

This year, Sharp Calculators goes one step further by partnering with several organizations to launch the search for the TOYM in the National Capital Region (NCR): Department of Education-NCR, Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG), Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), and the Philippine Council of Mathematics Educators, Inc. (MathTEd).

What are the mechanics of the nomination?

1. High school students from public and private schools in NCR who have completed at least 2 years of high school can be nominated. They must be Filipino citizens, natural-born or naturalized.
2. The nominee must be among the Top 3 students in Math as certified by the school principal.
3. The award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performace in national and international competitions recognized by the Department of Education or Department of Science and Technology.
4. Presentations or publications of original work in mathematics are desirable.
5. Students who contribute to the promotion of Mathematics and show leadership skills are desirable. Good moral character will be considered.

What criteria will judges use?

The judging criteria is as follows:


What is the screening process?

The Deliberation/Final interview of finalists will be conducted by representatives from DepEd NCR, DOST-SEI, MTG Philippines, MSP and MathTEd.

The deadline for nominations will be on January 5, 2015 with awarding ceremonies scheduled on February 2015. Nomination period is November 3, 2014 to January 10, 2015. Nomination kits are now available at select National Book Store branches in NCR. You can also download these from www.sharpminds.ph. 
The people behind the search pose with emcee Atom Araullo

For me, this is the start of recognizing young math minds and inspire them to achieve even more. I hope that future search tilts will also include a search for underprivileged, but math smart, kids so they can also be recognized and given a chance at a better life. Imagine, we have poor Pinoys who can be somebody someday if given a unique chance, just like this kid I saw featured on TV Patrol and whose video I found on YouTube. Impressive!



An empowering moment — being free in one’s skin — with Physiogel

Posted on by jane

I was luckier than most growing up. I had oily skin. But at my age now, reality is setting in. I’m losing my oily skin and finding that many parts of my body are more dry. Once, I went to church without putting lotion on my upper arms and to my horror, I found my skin was dry in some places. Ewwww!

The first thing that people notice when they meet you is usually your eyes and your skin. The skin is an organ and… the largest one in our body!!! Your state of health and well-being is shown not only in your eyes but also in the skin. Smooth and supple skin is a sign of health and youth.

While there is nothing we can do about aging, there are a lot of things we can do to keep our skin from premature aging and even postpone the symptoms of aging like dry skin, brown spots, wrinkles and the like. With dry skin comes not only ugly scales but oftentimes, the discomfort of itchy and sensitive skin.

Lotions and moisturizers are a-plenty in the market. There are all kinds of brands and types to choose from. Many lotions moisturize skin on the surface but only for short while. They also do not really address what is going on UNDER the skin.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), makers of Physiogel, recently launched the Free In My Skin Movement that aims to free women like me who are now starting to experience the onset of dry, sensitive skin. Physiogel variants all have the patented advanced BioMimic Technology which mimics our skin’s matrix-like natural lipid layers of skin that help lock in moisture. This allows Physiogel to repair dehydrated skin, rehydrate the essential barriers and revitalize the skin.

Physiogel incorporates lipids from plant sources that are similar to those found in our skin

Present at the launch of the Free In My Skin Movement was model, TV host and entrepreneur Patti Grandidge, who was just the right person to lead this movement, having been a woman who also experienced sensitive, itchy, red and dry skin.

Patti Grandidge

Have you ever experienced applying moisturizing cream or lotion on your skin only for the effect to wear off before your day is over?

Just check these shots I took of my hand when a Physiogel lady gave me the Moisture Check.

Before doing anything, she told me that I had to score above 40 if I had well-moisturized skin. I thought I’d be okay. After all, before coming to the event, I had applied lotion on my skin after my bath. Well, well, well, this was my initial score after she tested me with the Moisture Checker…

…and the verdict is…
…an embarrassing 26!!! Aarrgh!

So from the time I applied the lotion, to the time I got to the event, given the strong airconditioning inside the hotel’s function room, my skin dried up again!

Next, the lady applied Physiogel cleanser on my hand. What’s fascinating about this cleanser is that it can be washed off with water or simply wiped off with cotton so it acts as a leave-on skin moisturizer! I didn’t know THAT!

Immediately after applying the cream, I was checked again. My Moisture Check score jumped.

10-pt improvement right away!

Next, she applied the Physiogel cream over the area just cleaned. The cream is good for overnight applications or on days when you have nowhere to go and you just want your skin to bask in moisturizing goodness. It feels a bit oily because it is meant to keep your skin bathed.

Not as big a leap but still, an improvement!

Lastly, she applied Physiogel lotion on my forearm. The lotion variant is greaseless so it is best when you need to go out and do not want to feel gooey or oily. But the effect on the skin is powerful.

43.1 — fully moisturized!!!

This is what GSK has to say about the Free in My Skin Movement:

The Free in My Skin Movement aims to empower women to fully embrace and participate in life by freeing them from dry and sensitive skin, because having dry and sensitive skin can serve as a hindrance for women to fully function to their best abilities. This movement also aims to honor smart, strong, sensitive women who have faced their insecurities (physically and emotionally) and are now embracing and living life to the fullest.

I cannot name all the smart, strong and sensitive women who have been, and still are, a part of my life. But I honor them. Their circumstances are all different but what binds them together is the determination to rise above their circumstances.

I join all the women who have experienced dry and sensitive skin at one time or another. Feel ko kayo! But now that I am using Physiogel daily, on my face, neck, and arms, I really feel the difference. You should try it also and see how it empowers you and raises your confidence level knowing that your skin is constantly nourished, repaired and kept from premature aging.

Visit Physiogel’s website and social media accounts
Website: www.physiogel.ph
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PhysiogelPH
Twitter: @PhysiogelPH

Akira at Robinsons Magnolia and the Art of Teppanyaki

Posted on by jane

My SoMoms friends and I had a chance to dine at the recently opened Akira restaurant at the ground floor of Robinsons Magnolia mall.

Akira’s facade

With my SoMoms mommy friends

Named after a fictional story on the legendary Japanese teppanyaki chef Akira who fought the fire god Kagutsuchi to save his beloved Sayuri, Akira likewise does not just provide great Japanese food but does so with savoir faire and art as its teppanyaki chefs deftly handle the cooking utensils. Teppan means iron plate; yaki means grilled, broiled, or pan-fried (source: Wikipedia).

All 4 branches of Akira have different themes, unlike many restos that look almost the same wherever you go. This Robinsons Magnolia branch was made to look more traditional with authentic Japanese picture frames, curtains and other decor.

Our lunch began with Akira rolls which contain real softshell crab meat, kani, grated cheese, spicy mayo, tobiko, and topped with tempura bits. I so wanted to try this but was afraid since I’m allergic to crab meat.

Akira rolls

Next we were shown the authentic Wagyu beef imported directly from Japan which Akira serves to all its customers.

No scrimping. That’s Wagyu beef direct from Japan.

What followed next was a fascinating demonstration of teppanyaki demonstration. We had one of the more skilled teppanyaki chefs of Akira give us a demonstration. Check this video out.


This was what my share of lunch looked like. Trust me, the Wagyu beef was extraordinarily tender and tasty. That’s why the picture didn’t show much of it left. Hahaha…

For dessert, we also had tempura ice cream (3 scoops of ice cream topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherry, with banana tempura on the sides). My photo did not look so nice so I am grabbing an official photo from Akira’s Facebook page.

Tempura ice cream (photo courtesy of Akira’s Facebook page)

And as a lovely end to a gastronomic feast, we were lucky that a musician trained in the Koto, one of Japan’s traditional musical instruments, was around. He was practicing for the following Sunday’s show at Akira but I felt so lucky hearing it playing while we were having lunch. It made my experience all the more authentically Japanese.




Akira
Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia
Aurora Blvd. cor. Dona Hemady St.
Quezon City
Tel (02) 809-1234
Other branches: Shangri-la Plaza (654-3920), Alphaland Makati Place (0917-706-7328), Burgos Circle (550-2164) 
Also visit their Facebook page

GSK takes up the fight against dengue with Calpol’s fever management

Posted on by jane

I’ve had dengue. Two of my kids have had dengue. And one of them (and me) had to have blood plasma transfusions. I can still remember the feeling of having absolutely no energy and no appetite. And when my kids had it, it was doubly difficult for me to watch them, praying that the virus would just run its course without anything worse happening to them. I actually had friends who lost their child to dengue.

Although known to be a tropical country disease, dengue is surprisingly making its way into colder countries. Japan, just recently, was reported to have found cases of dengue among their citizens. Climate change is now spreading the risk of this mosquito-borne disease far and wide, beyond tropical boundaries. At the moment there is no dengue vaccine that is commercially available although recent news talk about one that is being developed.

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in tropical countries such as the Philippines. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito, usually seen in the early hours of the morning and early evening, and has white stripes on its legs, affects more children than adults. Those at higher risk are children aged one to nine years old.


Dengue can present itself with symptoms similar to other diseases — high fever that comes and goes, headaches, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, rashes, and even bleeding so oftentimes it can be difficult to diagnose at the onset because sometimes it can even look like flu at first.

The alarming number of cases diagnosed in the Philippines, as well as the number of deaths, is really of concern to parents like me. I was shocked to learn that in 2013, a total of 204,906 dengue cases were diagnosed, with 660 deaths while in 2014, 24,800 dengue cases have already been reported with 100 deaths. (Source: ToDOH Laban sa Dengue brochure)

(L-R): Jeofrey Yulo (GM of GSK), DOH rep, and Dr. Sally Gatchalian

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Pediatric Society in spearheading a campaign, “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program”. They’ve also set up a Barangay Caravan which will bring these efforts down to the grassroots level. I think this campaign is laudable because it is those in the grassroots level most exposed to breeding grounds of the dengue mosquito. They are also the ones least likely to immediately bring their kids to the hospital because of cost considerations.

Dr. Sally Gatchalian

Dr. Sally Gatchalian, secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society, gave tips on how to take care of a patient who is already diagnosed with dengue:

1. Professional help is required for severe cases of dengue.
2. Supportive care should be given to patients to complement hospital treatment – While the patient is letting dengue run its course, the only thing that can help, aside from proper hydration, is managing the fever.
3. Do not give steroids – The WHO has recommended paracetamol as the recommended analgesic treatment for dengue fever. Aspirin and ibuprofen are NOT recommended since they may aggravate bleeding.
4. Regularly monitor platelets.
5. Keep detailed records of fluid intake and outputs.

Dr. Sally also enumerated the 4S of Dengue Prevention, according to the DOH:

1. Search and destroy source of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed – Mosquitoes breed in clear water. Some things you can do – change water in vases once a week, clean your roof’s drain pipes,  clean the inside and outside of pails and other receptacles, ensure that no water is left in dish holders of refrigerators, cover all water reservoirs, and overturn all receptacles used for storing water.
2. Seek immediate consultation if child has fever lasting more than 2 days. – Remember…give paracetamol, not aspirin or ibuprofen!
3. Say yes to discriminate fogging only when there is an epidemic. – If done properly, fogging can also kill mosquitoes aside from driving them away. But they are only recommended in cases of outbreak and during peak biting time.
4. Self protection measures. – Use mosquito nets, apply insect repellant, and where possible, wear long-sleeved shirts.

Calpol, GSK’s paracetamol product, is specially designed to provide relief from the discomfort of high fever, chills and pain that plagues mostly children. Since paracetamol is widely suited to most people, it is considered safe even for children, if used as directed.
Calpol is available in three different formulations:
* 100mg/mL infant drops 10mL (for 0-2 yrs old, PhP 49.25)
* 120mg/5mL suspension for 2-6 yrs old, 60ml (PhP 80.50) & 120mL (PhP 133.75)
* 250mg/mL suspension 60mL (for 6-12 yrs old, PhP 123.75).
It is also available in two (2) flavors: orange and strawberry.

Watch out for the “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue” caravan which is set to visit barangays within Metro Manila identified with high cases of dengue incidence. The DOH will initially facilitate the training of health practitioners to discuss new incidences and trends as well as prevention and treatment of dengue. The Philippine Pediatric Society health committee will then cascade the dengue modules to the selected barangays. GSK, on the other hand, will be bringing doctors to the areas to lead the dengue information campaign so that Filipinos can protect their loved ones from this deadly disease.

Loving my virtual office at vOffice, One Global Place

Posted on by jane

(Read all the way down to find out how easy it is to get an extra month FREE when you avail of vOffice’s plans)

Mobility, accessibility and flexibility now dominate working conditions. Employers and employees alike now have access to digital technology that allow them to work while on the go. With office space also at an all-time high, it does not make sense for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), single proprietorships, or even bloggers like myself to plunk in a large chunk of money for permanent office space when my work requires me to be mobile.

This has given birth to the concept of co-working spaces, also known as virtual offices. Everything is shared: office space, secretarial services, meeting rooms, conference rooms, internet connection, phone/email/fax services, and even a pantry. You get all the benefits of a real office and you need not even worry about human resources, property management or medical/dental benefits, among others, because these are taken care of by flexible, reasonably priced plans that suit even the smallest budgets.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati are two business districts where co-working spaces are flourishing but I won’t be surprised to see these in all business districts eventually. It is a logical step and a must in townships where commercial spaces are expensive but where people need to converge.

Recently I discovered vOffice, a fairly new virtual office in the Philippines with its first 2 co-working spaces located at prestigious buildings in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and another vOffice co-working space that just opened in the Makati Avenue area near J. P. Rizal St.

While new in the Philippines, vOffice isn’t new in the virtual office concept. They’ve been around since 2003 and have virtual office spaces in other countries like Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, UK and Vietnam.

There is nothing like visuals so let me give  you a quick grand tour of vOffice at One Global Place along 25th Street and 5th Avenue, BGC.

Professional reception and secretarial services are provided behind this modern desk

vOffice has 24/7 secretarial services to serve clients who may need to work round-the-clock or who may be expecting calls from overseas at all hours of the day or night. When I signed up for a Platinum plan, I got my own personal local telephone and fax numbers. I even got to customize how they would answer when someone calls me on my personal number. Right after someone calls my number, they also notify me via SMS or email (I specify which) about the call. Calls can also be forwarded to my own mobile number for free.

Cubby holes for our mail

They accept parcels for us as well!

I can also receive faxes through vOffice. Concerned about the privacy of fax content? No worries because my incoming fax is processed by their secure fax server and instantly sent to my email. No one in vOffice has access to, or gets copies of, my faxes.

This lobby is so inviting, comfy and great even for meetings and mobile work

A plan holder is free to use the lobby to meet clients if the meeting rooms or conference rooms are fully booked. This happened to me once. I was in the area and needed a work space but because I did not reserve in advance, the rooms were all booked. No problem. I sat on one of these high-backed upholstered chairs and still got to work. The chair’s design was well thought out because each one had its own electrical outlet. No low batt problems!

This modern work chair even has an upholstered back for more working comfort!

And guess what….the chair even has phone jacks and an electrical outlet for charging on the fly!
These chairs are perfect for curling up in! haha….

Awesome state-of-the-art conference room where teleconferencing & important meetings can take place

For seminars and large meetings, this conference is perfect. Those high-backed executive chairs are just like those I used to sit on in executive meetings when I was still in the corporate world. This room comes with a large glass board for writing on, with a sliding panel that reveals a Smart TV for presentations and Skype videoconferencing. The use of a projector is also free for conferences.

Co-working office spaces like these provide privacy as well as complete communications access

Office space for longer-term tenants
This is me, working inside one of the meeting rooms. And so nice to be served coffee by a secretary, hehe…

I found out that some companies are here for the long haul. Some of the office spaces like the picture below are reserved long-term. It really makes perfect sense for small companies that want to use most of their capital and people for operations rather than bother with admin work and incur expensive rental overhead for exclusive office space. vOffice even offers business concierge services such as company formation, tax advisory, accounting & auditing, patent & trademark and more.

Microwave oven, coffee maker, stand ref, hot and cold water are among the pantry’s amenities

View of Bonifacio Global City from the pantry window

Another cost-saver that I truly appreciate is the free-flowing coffee and water as well as free use of pantry space. I still enjoy going to a coffee shop once in a while but when I want to do real work, the noise levels in a coffee shop are not exactly conducive to concentration. In vOffice, I can even work in the pantry undisturbed, with unlimited FREE coffee to boot.

Reserving conference rooms or meeting rooms is easy because all those with plans get access to a web portal where you can easily check available dates. Indicate the date/time you want and it is reserved for you. That easy.

And one thing more. My use of vOffice work space is not limited to the Philippines. If I am abroad and happen to be in a country where vOffice is located, I can also use my plan’s hours to work there.

Want to guess how much this prestigious office address, with all its office amenities and secretarial services cost?

You can choose to get a Silver, Gold or Platinum plan. Rates can go for as low as PhP 1,200 a month to a reasonable PhP 3,320 a month. They also have longer term packages for 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months which bring down the monthly cost even more. Tell me, where can you find such ridiculously low prices if you were to get your own brick-and-mortar space?

I’ll tell you more about my co-working space experience in future posts. But right now, I am just glad that the concept of an office has expanded to accommodate people like me who need mobility and a professional working/meeting space.

One more thing!!!

Mention my name (Jane Uymatiao) to vOffice when you avail of one of their plans and you get an extra month FREE!!!

vOffice
One Global Place
Level 10-1, 25th Street & 5th Avenue
Bonifacio Global City
Telephone (63-2) 224-2000
Email: cs@voffice.com.ph
Website: www.vOffice.com.ph
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/voffice.com.ph
Twitter: twitter.com/vofficeph

Starbucks Food and Beverages beginning July 29, 2014

Posted on by jane

Starting July 29, 2014, Starbucks is introducing a new set of food items, lunch sandwiches and beverages.

For starters, lets check out the lunch sandwiches.

Roasted Chicken Pesto and Shiitake Mushroom on Ciabatta Bread (PhP 165)

This warm sandwich is made of juicy chicken breast fillet tossed with pesto mayo sauce, Shiitake mushroom and melted Emmenthal and cheddar cheese in between Ciabatta bread.

Ratatouille on Cheese Semolina Bread (PhP 160)

Vegetarians, this is for you!

This warm, crusty multigrain bread is stuffed with cheese, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, Shiitake, and portobello mushrooms, garlic and onions.

Tuna Melt on Dark Multi-Grain Bread (PhP 175)

My personal favorite! I would really recommend that you try this one. Inside the toasted dark wheat bread is healthy classic tuna dill salad (tuna is also called “brain food”), slices of hard-boiled egg, and creamy melted cheese.

Sausage and Peppers Caserole on Cornmeal Bread (PhP 170)

Sliced sausages and bell peppers cooked in tomato Italian sauce is topped with cheddar cheese and spread inside cornmeal bread.

Ham and Egg Salad on Challah Bread (PhP 175)

Inside this Challah bread topped with sesame seeds are juicy slices of ham, tomatoes and creamy, tangy egg salad. I love egg salad so next to the Tuna Melt, this is my sandwich of choice.

Grilled Ham and Three Cheese on Whole Wheat Bread (PhP 175)

A returning favorite, those who missed this will welcome back this grilled cheese sandwich containing 3 different kinds of cheeses: Emmenthal, Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese) and juicy sliced ham. Italian herbed butter subtly seasons the whole wheat bread.

Now, let’s see the new dessert concoctions and food items…

Mango Coconut Sans Rival Cake (Slice – PhP 125; Whole – PhP 1,150)

The combination of sweet and smooth mango butter cream icing is combined with toasted coconut shards and three layers of crunchy and chewy meringue wafer.

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookie (PhP 60)

A must try as far as I’m concerned, this dessert is made of chewy chocolate cookie liberally studded with roasted walnuts, chunks of dark and milk chocolate, gooey caramel squares and finished with a dash of sea salt.  This is a perfect snack any time of the day.

Bacon Parmesan Stromboli (PhP 120)

This is a golden brown, crispy, flaky and buttery pastry crust filled with bacon, tomato, parmesan and mozzarella cheese and topped with chopped parsley.

Chicken Tex-Mex Wrap (PhP 170)

Enjoy a warm, soft tortilla filled with chicken breast fillet, roasted squash, corn, red beans, and finished with pimiento dressing and freshly chopped cilantro.

And of course, there are the new beverages (till September 15, 2014 only!)…

Tiramisu Frappuccino

Tall – PhP 180; Grande – PhP 190; Venti – PhP 200



This frappe features blended coffee flavored with Tiramisu sauce then topped with bits of biscuits, cheesecake-inspired whipped cream, Tiramisu sauce drizzle and a dusting of cocoa powder.


Banana Raspberry Frappuccino

Grande – PhP 170; Venti – PhP 180

This got me at “FRUITS!!!” The Banana Raspberry frappe Raspberry Blackcurrant juice with milk and a freshly peeled banana. Just the right beverage for one like me who chooses healthy.


Contests: Save, Share and get a chance to Win an Electrolux Washing Machine

Posted on by jane

Electrolux just launched two (2) fun contests and up for grabs are their popular washing machines.


Simple to Save Contest (Aug. 11 – Oct. 15, 2014) EXTENDED!

Electrolux understands that for busy Moms, Dads and even singles living by themselves, doing the laundry can be a daunting task, especially if time is precious for you and saving money is up there in your priority list. . “Electrolux understands that every peso and second counts,” said Andrea Pionilla, Marketing Manager of Electrolux Philippines. “This is the reason behind Delightful-E Simple. We want to help moms save not just money but also their precious time by making their everyday tasks delightfully simple and easy.”

On their Facebook page, Electrolux has a Savings Calculator app. They created this to show us that even small amounts of savings add up. This easy-to-use Facebook app actually helps you track laundry expenses and savings.

Four (4) Electrolux twin tub washing machines will be given away to four lucky users. Here’s all you need to do.

1. Like the Electrolux Facebook page facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook

2. Calculate your laundry savings using the Savings Calculator

3. Hit the Share button found in the result page

4. In the caption, type in what you plan to buy using your laundry savings and include the hashtags #DelightfulE and #SimpleToSave and post it on your Facebook page.

The four winners of the twin tub washing machines will be announced after October 15, 2014.

Simple to Share Contest (Aug. 1 – Sept. 30, 2014)

If you did not know about it, Electrolux has an annual clothes donation drive. But this time, they have brought it to a new level. Instead of just collecting clothes for calamity-stricken survivors, Electrolux has now teamed up with Gawad Kalinga to turn unusable donated clothing into baby quilts! We call that retazo, di ba? That’s such a brilliant idea because I know I would have nowhere to donate old prom dresses or party gowns. Why not indeed turn these and other unusable items like torn pants or dresses, save the good parts of the cloth and convert them into usable quilts for babies in orphanages and other communities. Imagine, behind each quilt piece is its own little story. That is really something.

Now, here is how you can not only join the Electrolux contest but also share your own story.

Four Electrolux twin tub washing machines will be given away to four lucky winners who will join the Simple to Share Instagram and Twitter contest. Here are the mechanics:

1. Take a photo of a special piece of clothing you are willing to donate

2. Write down why it’s special to you and why you are donating it

3. Use the hashtags #Delightful# and #SimpleToShare and tag @ElectroluxPH when you post the photo on Instagram and/or Twitter

Get this Starbucks Collectible – The First Edition Philippine Starbucks Card

Posted on by jane

This is one you would not want to miss at all!

Mark the date – July 29, 2014!

In celebration of the Starbucks card’s 1st anniversary, the Philippines is issuing its FIRST EDITION Philippine Starbucks card! Yup, this is our very own country Starbucks card which you won’t be able to get anywhere else in the world but HERE! It’s a real collectible especially for people like me who have began collecting the cards. In a way, it’s also historical, being the first ever Philippine-issued card.

Inspired by our very own Filipino culture and designed just for us, the card features our very own Philippine eagle against a background that looks like our banig (native mat).

In addition, there is an available customized Starbucks tumbler with the very same matching design.

There are limited days to avail of special promos when you buy the Philippine Starbucks card, 1st edition or its matching tumbler, or both. Here goes:

* From July 29-31, 2014 (3 DAYS ONLY!), customers who activate a Philippine Starbucks card with at least PhP 1,500 will get an ADDITIONAL PhP 300 load.

* From July 29-Aug. 31, 2014, every purchase of a Philippine Starbucks Card tumbler (PhP 565) using a Philippine Starbucks card gets one free tall handcrafted beverage.

And here’s one more promo, just because it’s Starbucks Card’s 1st anniversary. On Aug. 7, 2014, all handcrafted beverages purchased using ANY Starbucks card get a complimentary UPSIZE!

Krispy Kreme’s New Baked Creations

Posted on by jane

I just got a whole box of Krispy Kreme’s new Baked Creations!

I’ve always loved their Baked Creations because many times when I am running to different places and need to skip breakfast but do not want to be feeling hunger pangs before lunch comes around, it is what sustains me. I remember they had 4 variants before: Cheese, Sausage and Cheese, Bacon and Cheese and Cinnamon.

Now they have 6 new flavors. Let’s meet them.

1. Klassic Brioche – A light, classic French bread with a slightly sweet taste

2. Klassic Brioche with Ham – Klassic Brioche but topped with bellpepper, farmers ham, and cheddar cheese

3. Honey Camembert – Sweet dough bread with camembert cheese and honey, topped with roasted walnuts (the honey is contained in a separate dropper so you can squeeze it into the bread yourself)

4. Cube Bread – A light, slightly sweet bread filled with chocolate ganache

5. Heart Danish – A danish pastry sprinkled with sugar coating

6. Custard Kreme – Sweet dough bread topped with creamy custard

Baked Creations are open at all Krispy Kreme branches until 2pm for a minimum price of PhP 50.
Thank you, Krispy Kreme. My family is enjoying the treat.