Tag: Events

Real Living Launches its Book on Handy Hints and Instant Makeovers

Posted on by jane
Thanks to Summit Media, I got to attend the launch of Real Living’s newly launched book “Handy Hints and Instant Makeovers”.
I’ve been living in our present home for as long as my married life. And a lot of the furniture and “look” of the house is as it was when we got married. It gets a bit tiring when the familiar becomes TOO familiar, right? So I’ve been trying to find ways to change the look of the house without having to go right out and spend a fortune. I felt that little touches here and there could really do the house a lot of good.
But, my creative imagination is really sorely lacking in this department. I always feel that if I walked into a bare room, I would not know what to put in it. I prefer to see a magazine or picture and point to stuff to say, “I want this. And I want that.”
The next best thing is of course to leaf through the glossy mags, right? But why, oh why, do they have to feature such expensive stuff that I can’t afford?
Well, this book is just the answer I need and for good reason:

~ It is NOT thick so it’s easy to bring around. It’s a small, compact book but packed with lots of great visual tips.
~ Many items used for doing a home makeover are things you have around the house, redone with a twist. When I flip through the pages, it doesn’t make me feel like all the items I need would set me back and burn a hole through my pocket. Ordinary canisters, vases, cups and many more you have around the house can actually be used as containers and makeup cases. They make you feel like you can actually DO and CREATE what are shown on the pages.
~ The hints for organizing, creating minimalistic look, making the old look new and more are really a-plenty. I think I could go over these pages several times and every time, find something new I can actually implement.
~ The book only costs P120. Isn’t that a steal? (But don’t tell the publishers…hahaha)
The launch, emceed by Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, introduced us to 3 creative women. I’ll tell you what was my favorite tip from each of them.

Real Living assistant stylist Coni Tejada also gave a talk on how to create instant tabletop pieces when hosting a party in your own home. I said I would tell you which was my favorite but I actually liked 2 tips of Coni’s:

(simple yet elegant)
(cheap and doable any time!!!)

Next was contributing writer, Arlene Maslog, who showed ways to organize your desk, pantry and kitchen cabinets. I loved her true-to-life example of a corner of her room which was disorganized and how she eventually organized everything with a simple cabinet she had made.

(what a difference a cabinet makes!)
I am very happy to own a copy of this book already. Can’t wait to try my hand at making over my home.
Real Living’s Handy Hints and Instant Makeovers is now available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide for P120. For more of Real Living online, visit www.realliving.com.ph and become a fan of Real Living on Facebook via www.facebook.com/realliving.ph.

Water Plus Goes Beyond Just Being Water

Posted on by jane

Have you seen this picture on billboards yet?

That’s Andi Manzano and she is the endorser for a new kind of flavored water that comes in several variants recently released — Water Plus by the Zest-o people. One of Water Plus’ variants is their Waterplus Reduce line which comes in three flavors – grape, lemon & berries, and apple, and is touted as a weight loss water product.

OK, I know what some of you may say. Another water product? It’s touting itself as water but has a lot of sugar? What’s new?

I must say, the thought crossed my mind too. But I was willing to listen to the organizers tell me a bit more about the product before I made any conclusions of my own.

Some water drinks introduced in the past which I tried were heavy on the flavoring. They tasted nice but because the flavorings were quite strong they already bordered closer to being juice than water. That made me wonder about the sugar content in WaterPlus Reduce. 

The WaterPlus Reduce press kit I read also said that it is an aid for those trying to lose weight because it contains 300mg of L-Carnitine and 2 grams of Fibersol (you will read this on the bottle as Resistant Maltodextrin). L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps increase fat-burning properties in the body while Fibersol is a water soluble fiber that help maintain a healthy digestive track. The L-carnitine in WaterPlus increases the amount of calories burned per minute compared to rehydrating with just plain water. The fibersol on the other hand helps flush out lactic acid produced during exercise. 
The press release also said that WaterPlus Reduce, unlike other weight loss drinks, has zero sugar and zero calories which enables you to burn more fats without adding extra pounds.  Now, this last part I still cannot verify since I have not consumed enough Water Plus to test the claim but if you are already on a water-based drink that claims to help with weight loss, you can probably compare the content of L-Carnitine and Fibersol between the two drinks.
Over dinner, we were made to sample all 3 flavors and the first thing I noticed was that there was only a very slight hint of flavoring in Water Plus, holding true to its claim to being near-water formulation. Of all three, I loved the Apple variant. I think I am really an apple-flavored person because that seems to be the juice I also prefer.
One last check — the list of ingredients! Knowing that ingredients are listed in the order of how much content is in a product, I saw that the first 3 ingredients, in this order, were Purified Water, Resistant Maltodextrin and L-Carnitine. Not sodium. Not sugar. 
Of course, consuming any weight-loss drink has to be coupled with adequate exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Drinking WaterPlus Reduce alone is not the answer. Water Plus suggests that WaterPlus Reduce be taken after every meal so that it aids in burning up the calories and minimizes the unwanted calories that turn into excess fat.

Andi Manzano said that she tries her best to be as fit as she can be and Water Plus helps her maintain her very nice figure. I had a chance to talk to her briefly, exchanging tidbits about my doing yoga and her fitness program. Since I need to rehydrate a lot especially after a round of yoga, I think I will try WaterPlus Reduce. I may not need to drastically lose pounds but if it can help me reduce inches in the right places, I’d be happy, hahaha.

(With Andi Manzano) 
One last thing. Water Plus has two more lines: Protect and Smart (okay for children).

October 20: National Thank You Day

Posted on by jane

Years back, when I got my issue of Reader’s Digest, I noticed it published the results of a survey done to find out which countries were most grateful. As it was with their previous surveys, Reader’s Digest people scattered people anonymously and observed the behavior of the country’s citizens, counting the number of times “Thank you” was said.

I really thought the Philippines would score pretty high, considering how we’re known for our hospitality. Imagine my dismay when I found we only ranked #22! And the top scorer was, of all places, New York! You’d think that in a place as busy as NY, people would have less time to say thanks!

Now I am wondering what ever happened to the value of gratitude taught to us as little kids as well as the importance of saying thank you. Have we become too busy? Or is it that we really have  taken a lot of things for granted these days?

Inspired by this revelation, Toblerone spearheaded the “National Thank You Day” initiative. This eventually led to Mayor Alfredo Lim officially declaring October 20, 2007 to be Manila’s first “National Thank You Day.” In 2009, the day also saw the celebration of the first Thank You Day Awards where Filipinos recognized former President Corazon Aquino as the person Filipinos should be grateful to the most.

Seeking to further embrace the idea, Las Pinas City Representative Cynthia Villar proposed House Bill 5466, which aims to designate October 20 as a national holiday. She is supported by her husband, Senator Manny Villar, who has filed Senate Bill 1106 for the same purpose. For the Villars, these bills were meant to promote the “celebration of the Filipino bayanihan spirit of according respect for the elders, warm hospitality and distinctive courtesy, and a commitment that the Philippines takes pride in its age-old respectful values.”

Now, Toblerone is supporting the initiative to make “National Thank You Day” an official day in the Philippines. Known for its signature triangles of smooth Swiss chocolate, Toblerone wishes to encourage Filipinos to maintain a mindset of gratitude. Thank You days must not just be on October 20 but every day of the year. Toblerone is now the official ‘Thank You’ chocolate of the world.

I’m all for this and it makes me even more aware of inculcating the value of gratitude in my children. Right now, even if it’s just a glass of water or juice that our yaya brings me during meal times, I make it a point to say thank you. And when the driver brings us home, after a late night outside, I make sure that we thank him too. And I’m glad that habit has rubbed off on my kids who I have heard many times thanking the driver as well.

To find out how to make October 20 the National Thank You Day of the Philippines, visit http://thankyoudayphilippines.com/ and sign the online petition.

Weddings with Josiah's Catering

Weddings with Josiah’s Catering

Posted on by jane

June is a very romantic month because aside from December, this is the marry-est month in the calendar. There were no such things as wedding coordinators during my time so I basically had to do my own research, canvassing and preparations when I got married. Now, with a proliferation of wedding planners, brides now have an easier time than I did before.

So, it was very exciting to check out what modern wedding receptions look like nowadays. 1 Esplanade played host to a wedding themed affair prepared by one of the top caterers in town, Josiah’s Catering. “Seasons of Love: A Wedding Banquet Expo” featured Four Seasons set-up, one of many packages that well-known Filipino event designer, Ms. Beth Amat, designed especially for Josiah’s Catering. No matter what month of the year you plan to get married, there is a theme just for you.

Continue reading “Weddings with Josiah’s Catering” →

Ipanema Launches its "Colorful Sea" Collection

Ipanema Launches its “Colorful Sea” Collection

Posted on by jane

I have several pairs of Ipanema flipflops and each one is just so comfortable and pliant. I can do a ballet pointe and the flipflops would just follow the curve of my pointed foot.

For 2010, Ipanema is once again launching its latest GB collection, which it dubbed “Colorful Sea”. The GB line (GB which stands for Gisele Bundchen, a Brazilian and the world’s most successful supermodel who endorses Ipanema GB) is known for its hip design, unmatched style and high quality as well as for being an important medium for eco-awareness.

A devoted environmentalist, Gisele Bündchen actively adheres to her role as UN ambassador by using each GB collection to raise funds and awareness for specific eco-causes. The 2010 “Colorful Sea” collection supports the preservation of Brazil’s turtle population as well as the welfare of our own local marine life.

Continue reading “Ipanema Launches its “Colorful Sea” Collection” →

“DOugh YOUR PART” on May 10: Go out and VOTE!

Posted on by jane

Just one week from now and the Philippines will hold its first automated elections.

Many citizens’ groups have joined hands to help the voting public. A big concern is teaching the public to vote in a different way from the old procedure of writing the candidates’ names on a ballot. Mock elections held in different parts of the country showed that so many still were not sure how to vote.

In an effort to do their share in spreading awareness of exactly HOW TO VOTE, Krispy Kreme has come out with an innovative, and fun, way to make voters comfortable with the new ballot. Beginning this Labor Day weekend, all Krispy Kreme customers will be asked to fill out their orders for doughnuts using this mock-up ballot. Mark Gamboa, Marketing Manager of Krispy Kreme, has this to say about the mock ballot, “We wanted to make it a fun learning experience for the voters. This will help them prepare for the real, automated voting system.”

(front of KK ballot)
(back of KK ballot)
And, from May 8 to May 10 only, limited edition Krispy Kreme Vote 2010 doughnuts will be available for sale.
I’m going to be one of those making a beeline for the Vote 2010 doughnuts this weekend. I suggest you get your family boxes before they run out. These will be great snacks to bring to the voting precincts as well. Sugar rush = high energy! Yes, I’ll need a lot of energy to get over these days running up to Election Day.
And oh…one more message from Krispy Kreme…

iBlog6 is Coming!

Posted on by jane

iBlog6
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iBlog6 will happen from April 16-17, 2010. Venue is Malcolm Theater, Malcolm Hall, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

While this is, as it says, its 6th year already, this will only be my 4th year to attend this summit. 2006 was the first time I joined iBlog. Since then, I have become friends with an entire blogging community, participated in so many blogger events and advocacies, and learned so much (and still continuing to learn).

For newbie bloggers, this is THE annual conference to attend if you want to pick up really great tips on blogging and various issues about it, including how to bring it to the next level and monetizing it. This is also where you will get to meet in the flesh the people behind blogs you just have been reading or hearing about to date. For veteran bloggers, it is a great excuse to meet up with fellow bloggers, many of whom are already very good friends.

Another good excuse to go? The whole thing is FREE!

iBlogs in the past were 1-day events but this year, it has become a 2-day affair. Day One is reserved for those interested in the entrepreneurial, marketing and advertising aspect of blogging while Day Two is a day for all bloggers.

Check out iBlog6’s homepage HERE

To see the 2-day programme of activities, click HERE

To register, go HERE

Celebrate a Toblerone Valentine

Posted on by jane

Running out of great ideas for Valentine?

Toblerone has come up with different ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special one. You can continue to celebrate V-Day with this love triangle chocolate-y sweetness.

Log on to www.toblerone.com.ph (the Toblerone Fan page) where a community of like-minded, chocolate lovers can share their thoughts on different V-day traditions and gift ideas making it easier for singles and couples to share the sweetness of February. Check out what you can do while on that page:

Would You Date Your Bestfriend?

Answer this and you could win. Here are the simple Toblerone mechanics, as posted on their FB wall: Here’s a hard-hitting, reality-facing, heart-to-heart question for you guys: Seriously, will you consider dating your bestfriend? Yes or No- and why? Share us your answers and you might just win one of three(3) limited edition Toblerone bars for Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget to tag us TobleronePilipinas !

Spread the Sweetness

Which is your loved one’s favorite Toblerone: Milk Chocolate, White, Dark, Fruit & Nut or all? Go to the “Spread the Sweetness” tab to get to the Toblerone Gifting Application which will allow you to do just this.

 
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Play a little game of Cupid this season by trying out Toblerone’s matchmaking application. This fun, online application lets you mix and match buddies online to check their compatibility and romantic potential. 
  
And there’s more!
On Feb. 11, there will be a “for singles” event. Head on to UNO Pizzeria Restaurant and Bar at San Miguel By the Bay at 7pm as Toblerone, in partnership with Thinkpadd and UNO Pizzeria, hosts a Valentine’s Day speed dating exclusive.

And while at the grocery, why don’t you grab the limited-edition Valentine’s Day Toblerone for your loved ones?

However you wish to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Toblerone has got you covered.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Streaming on Sandbox

Posted on by jane

Pacquiao Sotto on Sandbox

 The Pacquiao-Cotto fight will be streamed LIVE on Sunday, November 15, via Smart’s Sandbox. I will be out of the house around this time so this is good news. I plan to bring my Macbook with me and hopefully, get to follow the games. Am sure those who will be with me will also be excited to watch the games live.

Continue reading “Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Streaming on Sandbox” →