Festivale: The Hottest Summer Party

Summertime means summer parties whether it's a beach party or just within the metro. The only thing certain is that 2015 Summer is going to be awesome. 

Festivale, the hottest summer party brought to you by Victoria Court will take place on April 18, 2015. 

Get ready to party to the sound of DJ Mars Miranda, Ashley Rivera, and the DJs of Beat Project Manila. Hang out with FHM models & Victoria Court's celebrity ambassadors, Aubrey Miles  and Troy Montero.

Watch this video to find out why you shouldn't miss this. 

See you there! Just send RSVP to vpartyseries@gmail.com to get exlusive invites.

Doors open at 4PM.  For more details, check out their facebook page

Get a FREE BANOFFEE PIE from Banapple!

Banapple will be celebrating its 8th Anniversary on Tuesday, March 31. In line with the celebration, the FIRST 80 customers will receive a FREE Banoffee Pie. 

Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/Banapple

This will be available in all Banapple Branches ( Katipunan 1, Market! Market!, Connecticut, Tomas Morato, McKinley Hill, SM North Edsa, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Robinsons Galleria, Araneta Gateway and Alabang Town Center.) 

Each purchase has a limit of 1 customer per transaction. 

So, let's all join the celebration and have fun during the banapple-in’ date. 

Places with Graduation Promos

A graduation means having a celebration. A celebration of hardwork, achievement and success. It is one of the most important milestones in a person's life whether it is about getting a degree or simply moving up to another level. The bottom line is we become thankful for these blessings and must share it together with our loved ones. 

Here are some of the places that you might want to consider for your graduation party and the current promotions that they have. 

1. Brotzeit  : German Bier Bar and Restaurant
Reservation Hotline:(02) 6311489

Promotion: From March 1-31, Graduates eat for free for a minimum spend of Php 3,000 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brotzeit-Philippines/100213756826417

2. Eastwood Cafe - Eastwood Richmond Hotel 
Reservation Hotline:  (02) 570-7777

Promotion:   From March 16 to 31, ONE FREE BUFFET at Eastwood Cafe for every four (4) persons partaking of the lunch/dinner buffet at the regular rate. This special graduation treat is valid for Lunch Buffets from Monday to Sunday and Dinner Buffets on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

https://www.facebook.com/EastwoodRichmondeHotel

3.  The Buffet

Reservation Hotlines:  0917-6-BUFFET (283338), 966-8942 / 352-4075 / 351-5536

Promotion: 5+1 Graduation Day Family Blowout! Accompanied by 5 paying individuals, the GRADUATE eats for FREE and get a SURPRISE GIFT

https://www.facebook.com/thebuffetintlcuisine

4. Barrio Fiesta - Greenhills
Reservation Hotline: (02) 726 7836

Promotion: Free Kare-Kare for a minimum spend of Php 3,000

https://www.facebook.com/barriofiestagreenhills

5. Vikings Luxury Buffet
Reservation Hotlines: (02) 846-3888, 846-4888, 846-5888

Promotion: Graduate gets to eat for FREE when accompanied by THREE (3) full paying adults. For more details of the promotion, click here.

https://www.facebook.com/VIKINGSSMMALLOFASIA

6. Sambo Kojin
Reservation Hotlines: EDSA Greenhills (726-4466 or 726-4520) 
Eastwood Citywalk (421-0145 to 46)
West Avenue (372-8846 or 921-2873)
SM Southmall Food Street (511-7843 or 511-7853)


Promotion: Free buffet for every GRADUATING STUDENT of 2015 who will dine on GRADUATION DAY and UP TO SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER in Sambo Kojin restaurant, accompanied by two (2) full paying guests. For more details about the promotion, click here.

https://www.facebook.com/SamboKojin

7. Buffet 101
Reservation Hotlines: (02) 556-2888, (02) 556-3888

Promotion: Graduate gets to eat for FREE when accompanied by THREE (3) full paying adults. For more details of the promotion,click here

https://www.facebook.com/buffet101

8. Dad's World Buffet
Reservation Hotlines: SM MEGAMALL : 633-1758 • 636-3785 • 0917-8961757
GLORIETTA : 892-8897 to 98  0917-8978896
EDSA : 705-1807 • 722-8125 • 0917-8988124
MANILA : 528-1723 to 24 • 0917-8971722
WEST AVENUE : 372-8845 • 374-3767 • 0917-8988844

Promotion: Free buffet for every GRADUATING STUDENT OF 2015 who will dine on GRADUATION DAY, and UP TO SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER, in any Dads World Buffet restaurant, accompanied by two (2) full paying adult guests. For more details of the promotion,click here.

https://www.facebook.com/dadsworldbuffet

To all the graduates, Congratulations! 

Study Academic and Business Writing for FREE

Jumpstart your career in writing. Get the basics to academic and business writing by studying online. EdX offers interactive online classes that enables one to study anytime and anywhere. 

The course, College Writing: Principles of Written English Part 3 will focus on basics of academic writing including essay development, grammatical correctness and self-editing. One will be able to write in different disciplines. Readings, video, online discussions, homework assignments and peer review can be expected during the course. At the end, you will be able to complete several short writing assignments. 

Classes will start April 1, 2015. The course is FREE. If you want to want to have a verified certificate of achieve, $50 will apply but that is OPTIONAL. You may enroll via this link. 

Take Your Step To Success at the 2nd Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo

Do you want to start a business? 

Are you lacking ideas or not confident about your own start-up?

Well, franchising may be an option for you. This business model is about utilizing and practicing a perfected business concept. Mostly, this is employed by opening another site or branch for a certain business. 

Mediacom Solutions, Inc. is inviting you to attend the 2nd Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo on June 5-7, 2015 at the Megatrade Hall 1, 5th Floor, Mega B Building, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. This event is going to bigger with more than 108 featured businesses and SMEs and 15,000 expected visitors. 

According to Mr. David Abrenilla, President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director of Mediacome Solutions Inc.,  "We are expecting to see many new brand concepts at the expo, especially in the service industry, like beauty, healthcare, education and wellness. Our vision is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance for business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and for local businesses to grow regionally” 

In line with this, visitors will be able to explore franchise opportunities from various business sectors, such as food, retail, eduction, travel, health and beauty. The show will also feature industry suppliers and SMEs from the agriculture, manufacturing, technology, automobile, logistic and financing sector and will hold several activities to encourage business professionals, company owners and decision makers to meet face to face.

There would also be seminars during the event. Topics will include: 

1. The Power of Social Media

2. Search Engine Optimization

3. 5 Secrets To Run Your Business Like A Top CEO

4. Promoting Your Business Online

5. What To Look For When Investing Into A Franchise

6. Financing Opportunities for Small Businesses 

The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2015 is endorsed and supported by the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) and the Young Entrepreneurs Society Philippines (YES); and sponsored by GLOBE MyBusiness, 2GO Express,  Benchmark and ESQUIRE Financing.

You may register for FREE online at www.efe.ph and don't forget to like their facebook page for more details. 

Interested to exhibit? Contact ELVIS ELORDE at +63.2.509.4792, +63.927.395.1575 or send an email at elvis@efe.ph. 

10 Things I make "kwento" about Davao City

I grew up in Davao and I am proud of it. So proud that despite being in Metro Manila for more than 5 years, I still keep my bisaya accent. No need to change to the "Tagalog" way of speaking. Thus, strangers and friends would immediately ask me, "Saan province mo?" and I would proudly say, Davao. Then, they would ask, "San sa Davao?" and I would reply "Sa Davao City mismo." Then the conversation would start.... 

Here are the 10 Things I make "kwento" about my hometown. 

1. Durian - When I was a kid, I did not like durian for an unknown reason. However, when I was in college, I discovered how delicious and special the "King of Fruits" is and it suddenly became my favorite. Aside from its taste, I love Durian for health reasons. Helps me whenever I have asthma attacks. It is also known to be rich in potassium.

Photo Credit: Janice Lopez

2. Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies - Whenever we talk about Durian, people would tell me, "I do not like the fruit but I like the durian candies". Yes, durian candy is an all-time favorite pasalubong from Davao City and do you know where to get the best durian candies? 

Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies makes the best durian candies in town. I am able to witness the humble beginnings of this company and how it grew to become the leader in the market. Their sweet treats are made with pure love and highest quality standards. Not to mention, whenever you visit their store in Matina, you will get the best customer service and unlimited free taste. 

For more details about their products and how to order, you may visit their facebook page. 

3. Davao Crocodile Park - Crocodiles are common in Metro Manila especially in EDSA -- ang dami. (hahaha!) Kidding aside, Val has long been fascinated by reptiles thus, whenever we talk about Davao City, it's impossible that this park is missed out. It is home to the famous 18-feet long crocodile named Pangil who's the largest living crocodile in captivity in the country (after Lolong died.) It is a petting zoo, wildlife sanctuary and a recreation all in one place. Thus, whenever you are visiting, make sure you include this in your itinerary. Don't forget to check the show schedules to maximize your visit. 

4. Samal Island - Samal Island is known for its white sand beaches, clear waters and beautiful marine life. Currently, there are a lot of beach resorts now open that I am sure you can find a place that suits your preference and budget. This island is actually no longer part of Davao City yet it is so near that you can afford to have breakfast there and be back at home by lunch time. You can reach this beautiful place by riding a ferry. 

Photo credit: http://www.pearlfarmresort.com/

5. Philippine Eagle - With too much problems going on in the Philippine society, we may feel that there is no more hope but did you know that this rare "PAG-ASA" is from Davao City? Okay! That is out of the topic. Going back, Pag-asa is the actually a male Philippine monkey eating eagle. He is the first one to be bred and hatched in captivity. The Philippine eagle is one of the critical endangered species and you may find the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary in Calinan.

6. People's Park - This is actually the safest park I know. With strict security at the entrance, ensuring that no deadly weapons and illegal stuff brought inside, one can truly enjoy the visit. I love that this place is well-kept and open to the public for free. I remember that there was even free "lugaw" for everyone. This place made me realize that being broke does not mean you can't have a good time. 

7. Drinking Water - Have you ever tried drinking directly from the faucet without worrying? Well, I can only do that in Davao. No need to go to the refilling station for your drinking water because it has one of the best potable water in the world in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste. 

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

8. No Smoking Ordinance - Being able to discipline people about smoking in public is such a huge achievement in a country where there is too much democracy. Less smoke means healthier lungs. 

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

9. 911 Emergency System - Have you tried calling 911 when you are in Metro Manila? Well, I guess nothing happens. However, when you call 911 in Davao City, it actually works. Davao City is the only city aside from US and Canada to have a integrated emergency response system. It responds to all kinds of emergencies: medical, fire, police assistance and other disasters. Available to all for FREE. Cool right? 

Photo Credit: http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/

10. Security - Lastly, Davao City is known for lowest crime rates and has the best police force in the country. You can enjoy walking outside your home even at 12 midnight without being paranoid. There are CCTV cameras all around the city for monitoring. It is known to be a dangerous place for criminals and a paradise for ordinary citizens like us. It has been ranked as the 4th safest place in the world. (Yey!) 

These are just a few things about my hometown that we can all be proud of.

Why did I write this? Well, It is actually Araw ng Davao (March 16) and I miss home.

HAPPY ARAW NG DAVAO! LIFE IS HERE! 

Endless Fun Under the Philippine Sun

I love the sun. Going out of the house enjoying the warmth of the sunshine during summer time was one of the things I look forward to when classes close in March. I grew up in a place where the beach was just 15 minutes away from home. So for me, summer meant the sand, the beach, the sun. It was pure bliss not until the ozone layer was destroyed. 

Now, you''ll get scared being soaked in the sun with the probability of getting skin cancer. Sun exposure leads to sun damage not to mention it speeds up the aging process.  

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is the answer to your skin problems this summer. It is formulated with unbeatable UVA and UVB filters to protect your skin in the harsh ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Dermplus sunblock physically blocks and reflects light and it also helps heal skin damage caused by over-exposure to the sun.  

There are different SPFs depending on your skin type and intended use. 

1. SPF 24 is recommended for morena skin and for indoor use.

2. SPF 35 for fair skin 

3. SPF 80 and 130 for extreme outdoor activities. 

Now, we can have the peace of mind that we are protected when we go out. It is time to have endless fun under the Philippine Sun. Enjoy the beaches in Davao, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay and Palawan.  

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Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is available in all leading drugstores, supermarkets and department stores nationwide. For more information call 817 33 03 or like them on facebook. 

Egg is NOT a Description of Your Love Life

If you were to pick out a food to describe your love life, will it be an egg? If you answer yes, then you might want to consider doing this on Saturday. It is not about falling in love and getting into a relationship. This is about a whole new way of building human connection.

Source: www.pixabay.com

Find an outlet. Get out of your normal routine. Be part of the #GameChanger 2015. This is where Single Professionals meet new friends, play some games and rise up to the challenge. 

There will be lots of fun and exciting activities during this exclusive event made for single professionals. 

This is sponsored by Laybare, Pampered Pooch, Pru Life UK & House of Lasagna Cakes & Pastries and they will be giving away gift checks and packages. 

So, go ahead and sign up and start saying goodbye to "Eggs."

For inquiries you may reach them at 0927-9751235 or 09159461290. 

You may also visit their facebook page for more details. 

Colored Candles and Their Meanings

Whenever we go to church, Val and I see to it that we offer our prayers and light a candle. We do not bring our own candles since these are readily available. Normally, they sell either white or yellow candles. However, some churches especially monasteries sell different colored ones.

I found out that different colors have different meanings and we can simply choose what color we need depending on our prayer intentions. 

Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/ 

Gold is for healing. (good health, recovery, spiritual and prayers for the family tree) 
Green is prosperity and success. (exams, study, finances, business) 
Blue is perseverance. (employment, career, assignment, promotion) 
Violet is achievement. (plans in life, struggles, journey, voyage) 
Red is love. (unity, family, friendship, relationships) 
Yellow is peace. (courage, strength, hope) 
White is purity. (enlightenment, guidance, right path) 
Orange is reconciliation. 
Pink is thanksgiving. (happiness, joy)
Black is souls. (forgiveness, pardon) 
Brown is vocation. (marriage, God's servant, single blessedness) 
Gray is deliverance. (bad ways, things, spirits) 
Cream is conversion. (faith) 

Shop for a Healthier Lifestyle at Muni Market Day

Are you looking for local and eco-friendly products? 

Are you interested to know more about Urban Farming, Plant-based Nutrition, Vegan Cooking and Indoor Planting? 

Are you craving for healthy and wholesome food? 

If you answer "YES" to any of these questions, then, you should definitely visit the Muni Market Day on March 28, 2015, 9AM-5PM at Capitol Commons. It is where buyers and sellers meet because a common goal --- having a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. 

Aside from product displays, attendees can also sign up for workshops on the following: 

1. Urban Farming by Bahay Kubo Organics

2. Plant-based Nutrition by The Superfood Grocer

3. Vegan / Gluten-Free Cooking by Jertie’s Kitchen

4. Indoor Planting by The Green House Project.

There would also be musicians playing throughout the event. It will definitely be a fun and exciting event.

MUNI Market Day is brought to you by MUNI, a collaborative community that has been working to promote mindful living through events like this, meetups, forums, or other workshops, design collaborations, and content, which can be found on www.muni.com.ph, or their Muni PH Facebook page.

Celebrate Einstein's Birthday at The Mind Museum

I love Mind Museum not just as a visitor but I have also been involved as a volunteer to one of their research studies. The greatest thing about the Mind Museum is that it is where science becomes alive. You can see, feel and experience it. There are a lot of interactive activities in store for you. Making each child's learning very memorable.

On March 14, 2015 Saturday, Mind Museum is inviting you to celebrate Einstein's birthday. The event is FREE. It will held at the Canopy Plaza from 4:30PM - 6:00 PM. 

Learn more about Space, Time and Einstein by joining the Cafe Scientific conversations with Reinabelle Reyes, an astrophysicist.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/themindmuseum

So, what are you waiting for? Reserve your seats by sending an email to: pecier.decierdo@themindmuseum.org 

For more details, you may also visit their facebook page.

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The Mind Museum is located at 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 

Review: Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight

If you try to search in google about Crystal Jade, you might be confused with results because it will also show Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight. However, you don't have to worry because Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight is actually the new Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. With a lot of improvements ever since the transition, Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight is best known for their authentic Chinese specialties. 

Val and I decided to try Crystal Jade because I was meeting Mommy Roxi of www.mommyroxi.com that day in V-Mall. 

We are not the adventurous type so we only ordered the common Chinese dishes. Surprisingly, everything we ordered was really good. Let me share them with you. 

Sauteed Pork with Sweet and Sour Sauce, Php 388.00

Deep Fried Spring Roll, Php 118.00

Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumpling, Php 170.00

Soup Noodle with Fresh Shrimp Wanton, Full, Php 258.00

It is a bit pricey but the food is really great. Here's Val super happy.  

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Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight is located at Unit 117-121, V-Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan City

Kyochon: The Best Korean Fried Chicken in Town

Let me share to you a big secret. I am Ornithophobic which means I am scared of birds. However, this only applies to live birds because I love fried chicken. 

Because of the love for fried chicken and the popularity of Gangnam Style and K-Pop, I started my quest to find the best Korean Fried Chicken in Town and I ended my search with Kyochon. 

Kyochon's Fried Chicken is something that you can be sure that it is cooked properly (no blood) because of the double frying technique. This is very important to Val and me. Their Kyochon signature sauces, which ignited the recently global craze made me fall in love to it immediately. 

Our favorite is the original series. It is crunchy and crispy chicken coated in soy garlic glaze. 

Other reasons why you should visit Kyochon is their fresh salad with blueberry dressing. A healthy salad with such a unique and delicious taste. By the way, you can ask for extra blueberry sauce if necessary free of charge. 

The place also has great ambiance with K-pop music video in the background. 

Thus, if you are craving for Korean Fried Chicken, visit Kyochon. They have branches in SM Megamall, SM Fairview and Greenhills and soon in Eastwood. For more details, you may visit their facebook page.