The ‘Magic is Everywhere’ in Resorts World Manila’s Grand Fiesta Manila 2016

With over a month-long revelry filled with delightful entertainment, topnotch cuisine, great family events and a showcase of the best in Filipino culture, Resorts World Manila’s annual Grand Fiesta Manila (GFM) truly encapsulates how Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season.
Intended as a traditional festival that mirrors the true identity of Filipinos—fun-loving and closely knit with family, both Pinoys and tourists have endeared themselves to the many offerings of GFM during the holiday season since 2010.

Metrobank & IAJ Wellness Corporation Partners at the 2nd Metrobank Wellness Expo 2016

On it's 2nd run the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank) recently concluded an event that showcases Metrobank’s concern for the health and wellness of its employees, at its head office located along Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, dubbed as 2nd Metrobank Wellness Expo 2016.

What better brand to support this noteworthy event rather than the IAJ Wellness Corporation (IAJWC)  With a company engaged in the importation and distribution of innovative, highly effective food & wellness products they participated by showcasing their premier brands MATSTONE® Horizontal Slow Juicer and BREVILLE® juicers and blenders.

Reconnect with Forgotten Flavors at Aurora Filipino Cuisine

Filipino food can never go out of style.  Call it passe, or archaic, or whatever, but for some it is undeniably "the" comfort food for all seasons.  Filipinos, even who are based and born in other countries still succumb to the rice and "ulam" combination.

CALABARZON 3RD Tourism Summit

The DOT – Region IV-A through the Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy spearheaded the CALABARZON 3RD Tourism Summit on last November 8, 2016. The summit, held at the Grand Ballroom of Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City was conducted to continually coordinate among various stakeholders all the initiatives in promoting tourism to various provinces.

Recharged for More Work Ahead at Metro Vigan

I would define recharging your batteries as anything that lets you: catch up on sleep, (naps) let go of muscle tension, (massage, yoga) hangout with people you love or really like (socialize) laugh, and slow down your nervous system and heart rate through some sort of relaxation technique (including listening to relaxing music or reading a good book), and getting some form of aerobic exercise that makes you sweat.

But sometimes, it takes more than a quick relief from stress-inducing lifestyle, rather you'd need to be taken out of that place which most of the time gives you stress.

Make Your Home Germ-free and Join Us at the #1MCleanToilets Movement

Are you aware that there is World Toilet Day?  It is United Nations day of observance of the global sanitation crisis which was commemorated last November 19.  Did you ever had a discussion about toilet sanitation with any one? I bet not.  It is a topic that never ever been tackled, specially not over a good meal at a classy restaurant, but should have been a part of any conversation, specially when we talk about our family's health and wellness.  But as germ experts, Domex leads the cause for clean toilets in the country and they wouldn't compromise not sharing their expertise.

The Grand Finale of SM Hypermarket’s Streetfood Festival

For me nothing beats Filipino street food. although occasionally I would dream of trying out hawker food from other Asian countries, I would not ever exchange an experience with a funny and accommodating "Manong" preparing my "turon" or "kwek-kwek."

But there is something about getting one's usual street food fix, it's the memories that come back to life every time you dip your fish ball into the plastic jar of sweet orange-colored sauce, or lining up to get your "puto-bumbong" after attending a 5 am mass.  Those days are never gone, only sometimes forgotten.

Taste Cavite, A One-stop Cavite Culinary Tour

Cavite is just a drive way from us, being lived in Pasay all my life, however I am not really aware of what kind of food Cavite boasts.  Even after living in Dasmarinas, Cavite for three years, all I can ever think of is Digman's Halo-Halo, where it is said to originate in my father-in-law's hometown, Bacoor.

Chicken McDo and More in the New McShare Box

Family is family, no matter what!

It's simple but it's also complicatedly deep.  When I was young, I used to hear that from parents and never did quite comprehend.  All I know is that I'm annoyed somehow by my siblings and sibling quarrels is just a normal way of life.

Not until when I became a parent myself that I truly understood what it meant.  Our life isn't perfect and no family is, but if you do know a family that is perfect, then, they might be saints of modern times.  Granted they are, or there were, I'm pretty sure that they do had been through some tough times in their family lives.

My First RF Experience at The Beauty Lounge by Bianca Festejo

Okay foodies and fellow moms, let's all admit that eating too much can take toll on our body, unless you're eating leafy veggies only (well then I guess you're classified differently, vegan perhaps, not foodie).  Nothing makes me feel better than being full and with taste buds satisfied, however, behind my mind are worries of getting fat, flabby tummies, saggy skin and many other health mal-conditions.

Yankee Candle Now in Manila

What a "scent-sational" news I have for you, America's favorite brand of premium candle is now in Manila.  It's store is such a haven for pure love of scents.  Once you get inside, you'll definitely forget your worries outside the door, every corner offers a different aroma that will leave you either feeling right at-home or nostalgic.

Have a Ruby Christmas at Century Park Hotel

As Century Park Hotel celebrates four decades of holiday cheers, an array of gem-filled treats and exciting promotions are offered to make your holidays a memorable one.

Cafe Fleur by Chef Sau

It is through driving across towns to discover new restaurants that Bhogs and I add adventure to our somehow drab way of life.  It is our way of accommodating that much coveted work-life balance.

Rekindle Christmas Traditions the Healthy Way with Healthy Options' Gift Boxes

The season of gift-giving is already upon us.  Yes, it was a Christmas in November on the first ever announcement of Christmas package offerings made by Healthy Options.

Nothing is wrong in planning gift-giving as early as now, it's actually best to plan ahead, make your list and do early shopping before everyone else and avoid the rush.  After all, isn't that what Santa Claus is doing every year?

Wiser Choices at Shopwise Harrison Plaza

Women in the modern society had assumed the role of shopping agents or gatekeepers for the family. Like many other women, I exert tremendous spending power, making over 80 percent of buying decisions in our home alone. This role is so entrenched in our culture that shopping has been institutionalized as a "life skill", as part of the nurturing of the family.  Everyone, I mean everyone has to do some shopping or buying somehow.  Wouldn't you want to have a complete stock of things inside your home?

A Sweet Escape at Providore SM Aura

When I heard all about Raintree Restaurant's new baby from a common friend in FB, I got excited and have been expecting more info about it, which Mela have been successfully executing.

However, it took me quite some time to finally visit SM Aura and get to see their new resto concept.

The Noble Grape at the 16th Grand Wine Experience

Perhaps there is truth when Benjamin Franklin said "the discovery of wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation." " The universe is too full of stars, " as he added.

Well, I love looking at the stars, but there are times that their glitters and sparkles are not that valuable as sipping a good wine that just makes you say, "Ahhh! Don't you just love life and this refreshing sparkling glass of sweet champagne."

DOT confirms PHL hosting of Miss Universe 2016

Photo credit

DOT Press Release:

After all that has been said and done, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo on Thursday welcomed the latest announcement of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) confirming the 2016 Miss Universe pageant in Manila next year.

Happy Cows Produce Creamy Jolly Cow Fresh Milk

Apart from Jolly Cow Fresh Milk’s creaminess and full-bodied texture, the best part about it is its free-range quality.

Banh Nam Now at The Venice Grand Canal

So much for the perks of being at home in one of my favorite mall.  This mini Venice in Manila is a host to many Italian and locally franchised restaurants in the country.  Though basking in these is quite amusing, there are times I also long for something different, something Asian, yet flavors and culture authentic.  Something like a taste of Vietnam.

McDonald’s Stripes Run 2016 Registration now open for Manila and Cebu

Now on its 7th year, McDonald’s will once again host its much-awaited annual family-friendly event. Join in the fun with family and friends while helping children learn how to read at this year’s McDonald’s Stripes Run: Run for Reading.

Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

I've been receiving a couple of products from friends from the marketing fields, and I love it when they send me locally sourced out products.  Some of the products I've been getting comes from Hunt and Gather events and Apotheca.

Another package came in from Rustan's in support of local artisans and in promoting their new section for their recent advocacy - Super Goods.

# SilverPortraitsofHappiness at Shangri-La Plaza

Shang captures moments of happiness for 25th anniversary celebration. Shangri-La Plaza continues celebrating its 25th anniversary by creating special Shang moments with all mall guests. This time, through a free photo studio session with photographer Patrick Uy, you and your loved ones can have your very own #SilverPortraitsofHappiness.

17 Phone Photos That Will Make You Try Single Origin in Rockwell x SeatsPh Promo

Are you in pursuit for a perfect cup of coffee?  Or a place where you can just take a breather while indulging the coffeephile in you?  Or perhaps you needed a good meal that partners itself with a really good cup of coffee.

I found a place, though it's their second branch already - SINGLE ORIGIN, Rockwell.