Meralco Once Again Opens The Maliwanag ang Pasko 2012 Campaign

Meralco once again opens its Liwanag Park to the public in time for the Christmas season. The park features light displays and attractions like Christmas figures made of scrap copper wire, a mini train ride for visitors, the Toy Town and a bazaar among others. In recent years, the park has been recognized as a must-see Christmas destination in the metro. The park will be open to the public every day, until January 6, from 6-10 PM.

                In a related development, the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently partnered with Meralco to help set up other Liwanag Parks in different cities and municipalities within Meralco’s franchise area. This partnership aims to brighten the country during the Christmas season and to put it on the map as one of the world’s best tourist destinations during the holidays. In helping decorate these Liwanag Parks, Meralco will provide each participating LGU with a Maliwanag ang Pasko starter kit composed of a giant parol and 500 boxes of Christmas lights. LGUs with the best Liwanag Parks will get prizes from Meralco.

The Liwanag Park and the partnership with the DOT are just part of the larger Maliwanag ang Pasko program of Meralco, though. Under the program, Filipino households, too, are enjoined to do their part in lighting up their homes this season. In return, they get the chance to win prizes. To join, they may take a photo of their lighted homes or of any of the Liwanag Parks and upload them on the Meralco Facebook page.  Every entry helps contribute to Meralco’s program of energizing public schools in Palawan, Bohol, Quezon and Dinagat Islands. By joining the program, customers, therefore, not only help brighten their communities, but they also get the opportunity to help uplift public schools in the country and provide a better future for underprivileged school children.

Started in 2006, the Maliwanag ang Pasko (MAP) seeks to encourage Meralco’s customers to light up and decorate their homes, establishments and cities to spread the beauty and joy of Christmas in their communities.

For more details on the Maliwanag ang Pasko program, contest mechanics and the list of Liwanag Parks, you may visit the Meralco Facebook page (facebook.com/meralco). 

Pinkberry Launches Chocolate Hazelnut Decadence + Cookie Waffle Sandwiches

I love desserts and I guess everybody will agree with me on that. Any meal is not complete with a sumptuous treat of dessert. Desserts caps any meal treat 

Anyways, I wanna share with you my new “desserts” discovery. Consumers now are very smart that they will search for a dessert that will not only satisfy their “sweet” cravings but something that is also nutritious.And I think my new discovery can answer the call for something “sweet” and “nutritious”.

Kipling Bags Philippines Gives Back Through its "A Brighter Christmas for a Brighter Tomorrow" Campaign

For all of you who loves and collects bags, here's another way to give and share your blessings. 

Belgian bag brand KIPLING joins forces with World Vision through their "A Brighter Christmas For a Brighter Tomorrow" campaign.

How does it work? For every KIPLING bag purchased from December 1 to 31, 2012, your favorite bag brand KIPLING will donate Php500 to WORLD VISION.

Share The Spirit of Giving Through Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Campaign

World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian agency that fights hunger world-wide is now partnering again with PizzaHut and Taco Bell through WFP's Feeding program called HUNGER RELIEF CAMPAIGN that supports children affected by the past conflicts in Mindanao.

The Philippine National Figure Skating Championships Slated November 24-25, 2012

Nothing beats the ice but only the country's best and brightest in the field of figure skating. Figure skating in the country has been one of the sports that brought the Philippine team in the spotlight of success. The future of our country in the sport of Skating made a successful mark when our very own Filipino pride Michael Martinez was ranked WORLD Number 10 by International Skating Union.

So in line with these, The Philippine National Figure Skating Championships will be held at The SM International Ice Skating Rink at SM Mall of Asia from November 24-25, 2012.

It is overwhelmingly participated by 44 competitors from various divisions, 11 of which are from the USA and Switzerland as well as the recently ranked Michael Martinez.

The Philippine National Figure Skating Championships is highly regarded as the most notable event in the Philippine competitive figure skating tournaments, This competition is open for amateur and professional skaters, open for Filipino skaters, skaters with dual citizenship or long time residents.

The winners from this competition will be ones who be sent to compete in the international figure skating stilts like World Figure Skating Championships, World Junior Figure Ice Skating Championships, Four Continents and the Winter Olympics.

This upcoming competition was presented through a presscon which was held atIMAX Theatre 2^nd floor SM Mall of Asia.

One thing I’ve noticed is that there are a lot of Filipino skaters who are dual citizenships holders who are joining this year’s competition. From what I’ve research, these Filipinos chose to compete here in the Philippines because there are more opportunities here in our country, And there are more chances that they’ll be given a spot (given if they won in this competition) to represent our country to other international figure skating competitions.

Our country is a tropical one, given that we don’t have snow or ice here, still the sport is growing. Well the parents of the aspiring skaters are the ones we should thank first because they are primarily the ones who support the sport most specially, when it comes to finances. A skater has to, of course pay their coaches. According to one of the parents I’ve got to talk with, money is just one of the many investments they have to do in order to support their skaters. Time and a lot of practice are also one of the many things their children has to endure just to follow their love and passion for the sport.

I'm sure fans and families most especially the fans of this sport will truly be amazed on this 2-day sports spectacle.

Bea Binene Celebrates 15th Birthday with Cancer Patients

Indeed if someone is blessed just like Bea Binene, for sure you'll also do what she did on her 15th birthday.

Last November 6, 2012 (though her real birth date is November 4, 2012), Beanca Bea Binene in real life, chose to celebrate it with some of the Cancer-stricken patient/kids  that Kapuso Foundation is currently supporting. The party was held at Jollibee East Avenue Quezon City. It was a fun Tuesday afternoon and as early as 3pm Bea Binene was already there.

To make it more fun, the party started with Jollibee Party crew made a special dance number for Bea. Afterwards, tons of fun games made Bea's Birthday more memorable with the kids

Bea Binene is an epitome of courage after all the intrigues she has to under go to, but despite of it all this pretty and talented young actress from GMA Kapuso chose to be humbled by celebrating and sharing her birthday with these less-privileged kids.

This celebration made me realize that sometimes artists are belittle but we really don't know the m until we've met them upfront. For other people this celebration may not mean a lot but with someone as young as Bea Binene, she knows how to be blessing to other people.

I was able to witness this humbling experience with Bea . And I can see Bea Binene will come along way. There are only a few actresses who can be so humane and yet maintain their entertainment status. In the party, I can tell she really wants her "sick" guests to be happy. 

When asked what's her thoughts about the intrigues she has experienced the past months, the young actress has this to say," Lahat ng artista dumadaan sa ganyan ".

And what is her message to all her fans, friends and family that continues to support her through all the challenges and success that she now reaps," Sobrang salamat -nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng pag-proprotekta at sumusuporta".

She was also asked if what is her wish on her birthday," Good health for her and her family anf of course more projects".

Bea Binene is currently seen on her latest drama show, "Cielo de Angelina".  is a Filipino Drama series created by Annette Gozon-Abrogar. The series premiered on October 22, 2012 on GMA Network's late morning timeslot and October 24, 2012 worldwide via GMA PINOY TV. It is executive produced by Nora Javellana and directed by Omar Deroca. Cielo de Angelina is a co-production of GMA Network and its film production arm, GMA FILMS. The series follows the life and love of Angelina, an orphan girl who was left by the door of El Cielo Shelter for Destitute Women and Abandoned Children one stormy night. Marco, a four-year old stowaway was there when Sister Margaret picked the baby. Because of being abandoned, Marco and Angelina treated the shelter as their home.

Through the years, Marcos serves as the older brother of Angelina especially when her best friend, Julie was adopted. Since then, it was Marco who helped Angelina on her longing for Julie. It was also Marco who will help Angelina in trying to find out what was left by her parents when she was abandoned. But when Angelina tries to get the clue inside Sister Margaret's office, a fire breaks out in another part of the shelter causing the latter to die.

Separation ensued when Angelina was adopted and in turn leaving Marco in the orphanage. While Angelina is living a tormented life with her stepmother Czarina and stepsister Rhoda, Marco now acts very distant from her(information credits to wikipedia).

For now Bea Binene is happy with how her career is moving and she is more than grateful with all the blessings that she is currently receiving.

For more updates on this pretty, fresh and young teener, follow her on twitter, just type www.twitter.com/BeaBinene 

Araneta Center Lights up the "Belen" for 2012

Yesterday was an awesome day for a fabulous mom like me! Truly Christmas is in the air as there's a lot of ceremonial lighting events happening in the Metro.

One of the anticipated lighting events I've been waiting this year is the yearly "Belen Lighting" ceremony held last night at The Farmers Market near Quadrant C.

I am so honored not only because I was one of the invited bloggers but because I'm a PROUD resident of the 3rd District of Quezon City where this annual "Belen Lighting' happens every year.

It has been 20 years since the first "Belen Lighting" event for the Araneta Center. Araneta Center was one of the "Prime" shopping destinations in the 80's. The "Belen" is a traditional Filipino Christmas icon that depicts the birth of Jesus Christ. This life-size depiction of the Nativity at The Farmer's Market , serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and has become a yearly attraction her at Araneta Center.

The Belen Lighting was well-attended by Araneta Center's loyal shoppers and representatives from the surrounding district (District 3) like 3rd district Councilor Pinggoy Lagumbay, 3rd District Congressman Jorge "Bolet" Banal , Quezon City Vice-Mayor Josefina "Joy" Belmonte and Araneta COO Noel Soliven.

Beyond the lighting ceremony, anticipate more activities happening at the Araneta Center this Christmas Season like holiday sights, sounds, treats and activities lined-up for the whole family starting November till January 2013.

Wait there's more, for all the loyal shoppers, if you haven't completed your Christmas decors yet, do check out the Parolan Bazaar, where you can get your showcase of brightly-lit electric capiz floats and mouth-watering treats at the Christmas Food Fair to fill the hungry tummies!

And also get ready to be serenaded by the different chorale groups as they sing your favorite Christmas Carols every weekend from November 17- December 23 during the Choral Competition.

For easy reading, the list below are some of the upcoming events happening at The SMART ARANETA COLISEUM, so be sure to book your tickets as early as NOW!

• Catch Sir Elton John and Sting as they stage back-to-back concerts on December 8, 2012
• See your favorite Disney Princesses Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Tiana and their equally handsome princes in Disney on Ice.

Just log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-55555 for tickets. For more updates about The Araneta Center like them on Facebook.

More photos of this event here ...

MASTERCARD and Philippine Airlines/AirPhilExpress Makes My DreamDestination a Reality

Do you like to travel and shop? But between those two maybe I'll be choosing shopping. I maybe a "shop-a-holic" but that doesn't mean that I don't want to travel or I don't have a dream destination in mind.

For someone like me who hasn't traveled that much, my dreams are wilder. So let me share with you where do I plan to spend my dream destination.

Since I love Korean dramas and I love K-Pop, I would like to go to Korea.

One of the things that I will explore once I'm in Korea is their cuisine.

"Korean cuisine is probably best known for kimchi, a side dish which uses a distinctive fermentation process of preserving vegetables, most commonly cabbage. Kimchi is said to relieve the pores on the skin, thereby reducing wrinkles and providing nutrients to the skin naturally. It is also healthy, as it provides necessary vitamins and nutrients. Gochujang (Korean traditional sauce made of red pepper) is also commonly used, often as pepper (chilli) paste, earning the cuisine a reputation for being spicy.

Korea
Platter of sliced gimbap
Korean name
Hangul	김밥
Revised Romanization	gimbap
McCune–Reischauer	kimbap

Bulgogi (roasted marinated meat, usually beef), galbi (marinated grilled short ribs), and samgyeopsal (pork belly) are popular meat entrees. Fish is also a popular commodity, as it is the traditional meat that Koreans eat. Meals are usually accompanied by a soup or stew, such as galbitang (stewed ribs) and doenjang jjigae (fermented bean paste soup). The center of the table is filled with a shared collection of sidedishes called banchan." (According to my friend WIKIPEDIA).

And oh before I forget I will also check make-up stores there and see how it makes a difference on my face. For me, it was so amazing to see many Korean women with awesome skin!


And here's another great news for the travel, shopaholics, loyal and soon-to-be MasterCard holders. Here's a chance for you guys to use your MasterCard to have that dream destination.

How? MasterCard the world's fastest payments processing network is partnering with Philippine Airlines and AirPhil Express to make that "Dream Destination" a reality.

Just use your Philippine-issued MasterCard credit, debit or prepaid card to purchase or book your flights via Philippine Airlines and AirPhil Express ticketing office, accredited travel agency or their websites www.PhilippineAirlines.com and www.Airphilexpress.com .

Blue Water Day Spa Launches CHAKRA as their Newest Holistic Massage

Just like how "milk tea" become a craze here in the Philippines, Wellness and spas have been constructed here and there. I wouldn't be surprise if there will be countless number of spa here in the Metro. The reason might people have accepted and embrace the benefits of visiting these wellness hub sometimes.

And just like my favorite spa, Blue Water Day Spa just launched their newest massage treatment called AMORA CHAKRA MASSAGE.

CHAKRA MASSAGE is scanning the seven major Chakra’s of the body and then massaging the body and chakras by using the aroma synergy blend by using and laying of the seven crystals chakra stones.  It’s a healing massage which helps to balance the major chakras of the body and synergy blend helps the mind to relax.

 The Aromatherapy Oils

 It was said that different stones and crystal are used for Chakra Massage.

It also focuses on the 7 main Chakras.

 

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “WHEEL” There are hundreds of Chakra’s located on our body. But we focus on major seven chakra of the body.  Chakra Healing has been practised since ancient times in Ayurveda and Yoga meditations. When our chakras are blocked then the energy cannot flow through the body which may cause blockages and in turn can cause diseases in the body.

The launch happened at Blue Water Day Spa's Ortigas Branch and what a great way to introduce the new massage technique is to have its very own creator ,  Ms. Ranjeet Kour. 

Ms. Ranjeet Kour's very extensive experience in the field of spa operations and therapy dates way back 20 years ago. She is also honorary President of Professional Aesthetician International (APAI) in Hongkong.

To have guests, media and blogger guests be more familiar with Aroma Chakra Massage, Ms. Kour simultaneously explain and demonstrated the massage together with Blue Water Day Spa Spa Technician, which she also trained  herself.

Ms. Ranjeet Kour

Ms. Kour also said that this massage is highly recommended for those who are into fitness and holistic well-being. Any one who will undergo this kind of massage should be mentally and spiritually prepared and calm before the massage.

 

Chakra massage is important for everyone to have as it will balance the chakras of the body, and energy called Prana can flow through easily around our body as in general will help the body to heal itself.  We will sleep better,   Can cope with stress and have positive feelings within the body. Experience Chakra massage only at BlueWater Dya Spa.

This kind of massage will be available to all Blue Water Day Spa branches on December 2012.

Now there will be more reasons to check out Blue Water Day Spa branches near you.

Blue Water Day Spa has 5 branches within Metro Manila:  Ortigas- Greenhills, Makati, Capitol Hills, Eastwood City and Tomas Morato. And one in Cotabato City. Visit their website at  www.bluewaterdayspa.com