When Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Sunday Funday Was Launched

I don't know about you, but for us, Sunday is a definite family day.  As much as possible we give all our available times to our kids.  If we can only make everyday a Sunday... 

Bhogs and I grew up looking forward to Sundays, and even when we met and became friends, Sunday became more special.  Hence, when we became parents, that day, stands on top of all days and we give priority of honoring it, as God's day, by spending the whole day with the complete family. 

Apparently, two of our kids (we have four kids, btw), who are now slowly becoming adults themselves have never realized yet its importance.  Though this make, Bhogs and I, tad heartbroken, we just make the most of our Sunday spent going to Sunday Christian services and of course savoring hefty servings of good food, with our two girls.

Do not let Sunday be taken from you.

If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan.

as quoted by Albert Schweitzer

Alex Gonzaga, Now Proactiv's Filipina Face

I'm one of those who got excited after finding out Proactiv's newest  brand ambassador/endorser.  After discovering the magnificent results in her facial skin and even those scratched skin in other body parts, she admits that she isn't only advices it to friends and relatives, she would even gift Proactive to them, thus making her a "pusher", as she jokingly tells the story.

Indeed, Proactiv have found the perfect Filipina who embodies the brand.  Being the skin care product authority that Proactiv is, many Hollywood elite have lined up as their brand ambassadors such as Justin Beiber, Katy Perry, Adam Levine, and Glee's Naya Rivera.

Actress and comedienne, Alex Gonzaga is the first Proactiv Filipino endorser.  Eric Quizon was the one who introduced her on the media event held at Buddha Bar a couple of days ago.

Albay Wins Bid to Host 2016 Palarong Pambansa

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Hurray to the people of Albay!

After careful deliberation and tedious evaluation by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Legazpi City, Albay won the bid to host the Palarong Pambansa 2016. The province won over Tuguegarao City, Cagayan– its only competitor for the annual national games.

Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked both provinces to continue supporting the agency’s sports development program, saying, "Sana ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang inyong naka-atas na mga programa para sa sports sa inyong probinsiya at sana makasama pa po kayo ng DepEd at ng PSC doon sa iba pang sports events. Mayroon po tayong Batang Pinoy, Philippine National Games, at iba pang programa.” 

The final choice was made based on voting results by the Palarong Pambansa Board chaired by the education Secretary.

“We reviewed the recommendations from the regions and had our own deliberations. We went through billeting, facilities, your presentations, including readiness of our regions, as well as other considerations that are specific to 2016. Ang nanalo po with a very, very slim margin is Albay” Luistro declared.
 
Before the bidding and official presentations of the two provinces, DepEd and PSC technical officials inspected each venue last June to see if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate. 

PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez presented to the body the rating system used which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others.

 
DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the sufficiency of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.

 With a budget of P300M, Albay Governor Joey Salceda assured the Palarong Pambansa Board that Albay has the equipment and resources needed to construct and repair its sports facilities and playing venues as soon as possible. 
 

Mott's 100% Original Apple Juice' Filipina Mom Ambassador

As a creature of habit, taking a glass of apple juice or other kinds of juices is nothing but a run-on-the-mill.  I've educated myself with the health benefits of fruit juices.  I guess I could consider myself a juice advocate.  With that, I don't compromise with the freshness and quality of the juices I take and what I give my family. 

So, when I got an invite from Fly Ace Corp, for the launch of Mott's 100 % Apple Juice' brand ambassador, I didn't hesitate to say yes. 

The event was slated for lunch and boy, everyone who attended could not wait to see what was for lunch.  We all were excited as most of us were first timers at Earth Kitchen at The Fort.  With all the raves and good commendations Earth Kitchen was receiving since it's inception in their pioneer branch at White Plains, we all were anticipating a healthy lunch from the aforementioned organic-themed restaurant.

Nothing else could welcome the media guests properly than with a glass of Mott's 100 % Apple Juice. 


Let me give you a little bit of history, the fancy apple juice drinking began with S.R. has been growing apples in New York since 1842, this might also be a reason why NY City is also known as The Big Apple.  Using techniques he learned from his grandfather, Mott was able to perfect the advanced pasteurization and filtration techniques at his mill, resulting in the popularity of his products.

Mott's 100% Original apple Juice offers nurturing goodness for the entire family.  It's not only great-tasting and nutritious, it is also rooted in the fine tradition of making the most of the goodness of the lovely apple.  Through the years, Mott's has proven to be the expert when it comes to applaes by offering delicious products of consisitently high quality.  Generations of mothers have trusted Mott's for its venerable heritage.

The media familiarization was hosted by my friend Jamie Fournier who is also admits finding Mott's refreshingly yummy.

A notable Dietitian and Nutritionist who happens to be a nurse as well, gave more information on how Mott's being a true apple concentrate is different from other apple juices in the market claiming to be natural.   Chesire Que RND.RN.RDN. have been thirteen years.

Moreover, she gave salient info on how apple is great in many healthy ways.

Every eight-ounce serving of Mott's 100 % Original Apple juice provides your family with two servings of fruit and 120 %  Daily Value Vitamin C.  That's not just 100 juice, that's also 100% delicious.

It's also rich in antioxidants and has loads of potassium to keep your heart healthy and strong.  Aside from enjoying it itself, as juice, you can make something out of the juice and turn a simple dessert into something more palatable.

Let me share share you also a recipe using apple in in cookies, check here.



It's not surprising then that one of the country's most conscientious moms, Janice Villanueva, founder of Mommy Mundo, likes stocking up on Mott's 100% Original Apple Juice.  

One thing I learned about her as a mom is how she classifies products according to their nutritional values specially when she goes to the groceries.  She usually checks the back labels.

She added how surprised she is, as I was when she read what makes up Mott's Apple Juice.it not only The fact that it not only tastes good, but it's also 0 % fat, no sugar is added, it's gluten free and added with more Vit. C.

Gee!  It sure feels great to know you can still count on something that you can buy in the groceries and still get the nutrition you  and your family need.

Achieve That Beautiful Skin Effortlessly with VITA-E

One way to fight aging skin is investing in your health while you're still young.  I'm turning forty next year and since I turned thirty, I've been taking vitamin E, and also, Vit. A and C., these trio is the best to combat early aging or might I say, these vitamins helped me attain a still youthful skin even though I'm nearing my midlife.

So there, one secret to my youthful look  got divulged here.  Though this time let me focus on Vit. E.  I used to ask my relatives to buy me jars of soft gel Vitamin E in the US.  Since at that time our local market doesn't have it yet.  I'm glad we can now buy the same type of vitamin E (in soft gel) through the effort of ATC.

Enter Vita-E.

Again, zeroing in on why we need Vita E, environment, daily events, life changes, workplace, diet and society can all be sources of stressors that can ruin our skin.  Hence, dry and dull looking skin that seems to be shouting ‘I’m tired’! With so many to contend with, it is no wonder that it is so hard to wonder that it is so hard to maintain healthy skin. If our skin looks dull, it might not only be thing that is unhealthy in us. There is something underneath that skin that needs nourishment as well, like our cells.

Every day, our cells take on a battle against free radicals. These free radicals are the product of the stressors that surround us. If we will just let these free radicals  overcome our healthy cells, tendency is we get to have undernourished skin, and we get more vulnerable to different kinds of diseases like colds, flu, other immunity-threatening diseases, and Vita-E contains 400 IU of vitamin E, a known antioxidant that effectively protects the cells against free radicals and gives our skin a beautiful, youthful and effortless glow. 

The question is, how can we protect our cells and get to have a skin that looks fresh all the time? Well, the answer is just E-asy and E-ffortless to maintain! It’s through the power of vitamin E that is present in Vita-E.

ATC Healthcare International Corp. searched for the best ingredient that gives a more beautiful and fit it into one convenient capsule of Vita-E.

Vita-E contains 400 IU of vitamin E, a known antioxidant that effectively protects the cells against free radicals and gives our skin a beautiful, youthful and effortless glow

Free radicals are molecules that harm cells and contribute to the development of conditions such as stroke and cancer which Vita-E helps to prevent. These antioxidants are also essential for the maintenance of healthy skin by protecting it from UV-induced damage. Vita-E works from the inside making you feel AND look great. Not only that Vita-E is essential in maintaining the functions of our heart, blood vessels, and nervous system, Vita-E also gives all around protection for a healthy immune system.  Achieve the beautiful skin you always wanted while you protect yourself from the harmful effects of free radicals with the help of Vita-E! Vita-E is recommended to be taken one capsule per day.

For only SRP P14.00 per soft gel capsule, you are now secured of having that youthful glow. Available at Mercury Drug and all other leading drugstores nationwide.

Breakfast Cookies: Apple Oatmeal Cookies

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

You've probably heard that a million of times and most of the time have disregarded. Ever since I've read about maintaining your sound health with fresh fruits, apples have always been on my list, well of course after mango and strawberry.

So yeah, I guess I've grown to live up with those words.  Today, I wasn't in the mood of juicing, though I have a basketful of red juicy apples.  Instead, I have strewn pieces of it on my oatmeal cookies.

I could have sworn that this recipe is my invention but NO, I just pulled it out of my good old cookie recipe book.

Below is the easy to do breakfast cookie recipe hyphened with the sacharine and tarty apples and raisins. Enjoy!


APPLE OATMEAL COOKIES Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups al-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (1 medium lemon)
1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1 ½ sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, softened
1 large egg
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup honey
1 cup fresh apple, peeled and finely chopped (1 medium apple)
6 ounces raisins (about 1 cup)

Topping:

½ cup oats
Yield:  Will make about 4 dozens

Procedure

1. Preheat oven to 300 *F

2. In medium bowl combine flour, oats, salt, soda, cinnamon, cloves and lemon zest.  Mix well with wire whisk. Set aside.

3. Cream sugar and butter together in a large bowl using an electric mixer.  Add egg, applesauce and honey and beat at medium speed until smooth.

4. Add flour mixture, fresh apple and raisins, and blend at low speed until just combined.  Do not over mix.  Dough will be quite soft.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.  1 ½ inches apart.  If you wish, sprinkle the cookies with oats.  Bake for 18  to 22 minutes or until bottoms are golden.

How easy was that!

Oh, just so you know, we didn't just ate this for breakfast, we had it for dessert with ice cream and caramel, for late-afternoon and midnight snacking and just about anytime I craved for something sweet.

What's best about this is that no table sugar was used.  The apple, together with half a jar of the apple sauce and honey sweetened the cookie batter and it was perfect!

Do let me know if you've tried the recipe, will you?

Shooting wirh the Stars 2015

The Actors Guild of the Philippines in cooperation with CATMATES, Inc. will have its first ever ‘’SHOOT WITH THE STARS 2015’’.  Shoot with The Stars is a two-day shooting competition for a cause event happening on November 07 -08, 2015 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at Southern Police Distrrict (SPD) Firing Range, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Registration fee is Php 1,000.00 that will cover the entrance and a raffle ticket. The event will feature actors and actresses who will be competing with gun enthusiast and from PNP, AFP and other organizations.

Robinsons Mall Las Pinas, A Foodie Haven Too!

Probably not many know that there are rave-worthy food establishments that are housed at Robinsons Mall in Las Pinas.  Like many other malls in the metro, it serves as a one-stop retail complex where you dine, shop and be entertained while being sure of safety and security.

Just a year ago, Robinsons Land Corporation opened up the Las Pinas branch of Robinsons Mall.  Behind the sleek and modern design of the building structure is their corporate mantra of improving and making life more meaningful for the Filipino people, thus a shopping experience like no other.

Personally, I find the place so comfortable and it's not crowded, meaning, there is a lot of breathing space around and in between alleys.  Another major element is good lighting, incorporating natural lighting is a plus. 

For the foodies and gourmands who loves trekking down south to BF Homes, let me share you the good news.  Some of BF Homes' beloved restaurants and cafes have either branched out or moved to this mall.

ATC BrighTen Years: First of the Many to Come

ATC Healthcare International Corporation firmly believes in the value of health. It is their mission to empower all Filipinos to live life to the fullest by being their trusted life ally in all things health-related. And it seems the public appreciates their efforts as they continue to support ATC’s tenth year of providing products such as Robust, FatOut, Vita-E, Strike and many others.

Expo Milan 2015 Captured From Filipino's Lenses

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If I only have the money, I will deinitely visit Milan, Italy, again.  It's not only that my parents and my siblings together with their family live there, it's also the venue of the global exposition which happens every five years.  For the year 2015, it was Milan, Italy's turn to showcase the world's best in one huge event and in the most impressive setting.

Dubbed as Expo Milan 2015, the exposition tackles one of the most pressing global issue - sustainability and innovation, with the theme "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life."  It's gates opened last May 1 and will end on October 31.  On 2020, Dubai will be the next host while during the 2010 Expo was held at Shanghai China.

A total of 140 countries have participated and have showcased unique cultural and culinary traditions, within self-built lots comprising 60 pavilions.  It was decided to be placed at the north west of Milan near Rho Fiera, said to be Milan's fairgrounds.

Our Filipino friends have made this witty and cute photo walk while they were having their romantic and educational trip to Expo Milan.  This collage I made from their FB Album shows part of what you can expect in the event.  Thanks Alvin and Zarina!