NUAT THAI LIBIS: AN OASIS OF SERENITY AMIDST THE BUSTLING IN THE CITY

You can't miss the signage up front.

In the maddening rush of the present world, stress is an adversary. Too much of it can wreak havoc on our health, and in worse cases might even send you early six feet below the ground. And as we age, life becomes more frantic, responsibilities heavier, and high-level stress. No wonder people look for more ways to reduce stress by going to the spa to unwind and relax and they are also becoming more health-conscious.

The inviting sign that tells you to come in.

I’m not particularly finicky when it comes to having a massage done, but there are two services I’ve recently fallen in love with at Nuat Thai Libis during my recent visit. Nuat Thai is a foot and body massage spa targeting clientele whose idea of pampering is simple, unhurried, yet relaxing, and still very affordable. Starting with one branch based in Cebu, it has grown to become a franchiser with branches all over the country.

Soft comfy couches welcomes you in.

The minute you enter Nuat Thai, a relaxing scent of peppermint wafts in the air to calm you. Their courteous and friendly staff will then welcome you. They have two types of bed--a floor bed for the Thai massage where you'll be having stretching and all plus an elevated bed that's perfect for Swedish and Aromatherapy massages. 

I instantly fell for Nuat Thai’s signature foot massage. Among all my body parts, it’s really my feet that’s overused and abused given the fact that it needs to carry more than 200 pounds of body weight each day just to get me where I need to go. And so this foot reflexology massage is perfect for my tired, abused and overworked feet. It’s so hard to put into words that sense of pleasure I felt while I was having my massage. My therapist used a Thai wooden stick to further hit the pressure points on my feet. All I could remember was that feeling where all I could say was that I was in total bliss! In all honesty, THAT was the BEST foot massage I had ever been into. In fact, while I was having my foot massage, I couldn’t help but Tweet right away how “saraaap” it was. Oh, and yes, they have a free unlimited wi-fi access.

Floor Beds for Thai massage.

Yes, that was how GOOD the foot massage was. I vow to come back to Nuat Thai Libis for some more pretty soon. I would highly recommend Nuat Thai’s signature foot massage to anyone.  And for one hour of foot pampering heavenly experience at Php250, that’s affordable enough. I know if my pair of feet could talk at that moment, it had probably thanked me that I’ve finally showed some mercy for its hard work.

Elevated beds for Swedish and Aromatherapy massages.

Super comfy chairs for foot massage that may bring you to la-la Slumberland!

A choice of massage oils: Lavender, Green Tea and Eucalpytus.

 You also have an option which oils you'd want to use: Lavender, Green Tea and Eucalyptus. Being a sucker for something menthol or peppermint, I chose the latter without any extra charge. 

Cute foot wash at Nuat Thai.

Enclosed shower for your needs.

Warm Herbal Balls infused with Thai herbs to treat lactic acids. 

I was able to try Nuat Thai’s aromatherapy massage with herbal balls (good for an hour and a half massage). Herbal balls are infused with mixed herbals from Thailand. Warm herbal balls are believed to help get rid of lactic acids (lamig) in our bodies. My massage therapists instantly hit pressure points of my body and deftly crush the nodules. Geez, it felt like I had been to heaven because it just spells happiness. Unlike in other spa I went to, the scalp massage was awesome—they do not pull the hair or strangle any of its strands. It was just pure scalp massage. Before I even left Nuat Thai that night, I know that I am truly pampered from the strands of my hair to the tips of my toes. 

Its trademark touch therapy, soothing ambiance, dim lighting, soft music, and aromatherapy + courteous Cebuano staff make Nuat Thai definitely the place of rest you’d want to escape to again and again. 

The staff of Nuat Thai Libis

Visit Nuat Thai Libis at the 2^nd Floor of #90 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Quezon City (Across Shopwise, above Allied Bank and RCBC)

Call them and book for appointments at 477-5004.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Ms. Janine Go, owner of Nuat Thai Libis, Ms. Catherine Joanne Tan for the invite, and the staff of Nuat Thai Libis.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

SM TOON FEST: K-POP RISING STAR CONTEST

K-POPS are everywhere! So what it is about K-POP that makes people go crazy? Even fashionistas had adopted the trend. The best thing about K-Pop fashion is its unabashed expressiveness—meaning anything goes as long as you can carry to express yourself, so go ahead and experiment with colors and feel free to be yourselves. SM Department Store injects the electrifying excitement of K-Pop Fanatics as it launches K-Pop apparel for kids! Glam, fab and funky mark with spunk and highlighted by loads of colors, it showcases SM Toonfests exclusive lines in all-original licensed character apparel with a dash of Korean style! 

Host Issa Litton

“Kids today are a lot more conscious of what’s “in”, says Ms. Jo Dy Juanco, VP for Children’s Fashion, “These days, they draw inspiration from K-Pop stars and they want to dress like them.”

Available in stores nationwide, SM Toon Fest carries trendy apparel with the familiar brands like Hello Kitty, Robby Rabbit, Winnie the pooh, Marvel Superheroes, Garfield, old Disney Princess, Mickey Mouse, Sesame Street, 70’s icon Betty Boop, Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, Snoopy among many others.

Kids are sure to have a blast mixing and matching classic pieces with unique new ones while creating their own K-Pop ensemble. To showcase these new collections, SM Toon Fest is holding a search for its K-Pop Rising Star. The song, dance, and lip-synch competition invites boys, girls and groups aged 2-14 to let their inner superstars out for a shot at the spotlight and a chance to grab P100,000 grand prize!

During the said event, bloggers and media were also able to sample Nail Art. So we were like kids picking on what nail color to wear. It was a great experience for everyone. It's fun to be part of the K-Pop craze!

For more details, please log on to: www.risingstars.asia/smtoonfest/ and www.facebook.com/smkidsfashion

COMING HOME TO MANDAUE FOAM

As I face each single day with a myriad of pressure, stress and demands from work, not to mention having to balance my responsibilities and to not totally abandon my social life to keep my emotional sanity—sleeping for long hours had actually been my utmost desire. I long for the days when I could actually enjoy sleeping just as I did when I was younger. I don’t know what went wrong, but I wasn’t always nocturnal. In fact, my friends could attest that I used to be someone who’s “early to bed, early to rise” type of person. I guess somewhere along the way, or perhaps in the process of doing my work, I had developed insomnia which led me to become nocturnal. I take pleasure each time I sleep especially with the kind of bed that is not only soft and comfy but it had to be made from highest standard in terms of quality.  I liked sleeping on Mandaue Foam bed. It perfectly suits my needs—not too soft and not too hard, just right on my back. It does the same for their other items like ottoman chairs among many others. They are all made from top quality so you know pretty much you're getting something of value. Their items are built to last for a long time, giving you a good investment and a pretty good value for your money.

As I browsed through Mandaue Foam’s website, www.mandauefoam.ph, I also liked Mandaue Foam’s catalogue of chairs—they’re very ergonomic and stylish, perfect for someone like me. This particular chair caught my attention because it looks very regal, like the ones I see on TV being used on the table of dignified men or royalties. I'd love to sit on this lovely seat and imagine myself as a princess--very prim and proper with fabulous gown wearing a tiara. So much for my daydreaming! But honestly, I'd love to have this uber awesome chair. It'll surely make me feel like a real-life princess. Oh, have I mentioned I am a sucker for anything that had velvet on them? This one is no exception.

I was also surprised to know that Mandaue Foam also had an array of other items aside from bed or foam-based items alone.  To begin with, they had a whole lot of space-saving products that will definitely make things easier for us to design our rooms  and interiors. This crown shelf with support from Mandaue Foam will surely help me arrange my collection of books neatly. It is also a great space saver since I had a lot of cute little toy knick-knacks that I had collected all through the years which I do not know where to properly keep them. Of course, I do not want them to be thrown away and I had always this desire to display them. Perhaps I could finally put them on display using this crown shelf with support so that people or those who come and visit me and take a peek into my room would be able to see them. Since my room is pretty small, with the help of this upper shelf, I can make use of my space better.

My room will surely look fabulous with this crown shelf with support from Mandaue Foam.

I instantly fell in love with this elegantly designed black dining set from Mandaue Foam catalogue. It will perfectly fit into the minimalist dream house I had been eyeing for. Sleek, stylish and a real gem. It would make every family dining extra special. I could imagine myself exchanging intimate conversations and catching up with my family every night while eating a hearty meal I had prepared. Since this dining table has six chairs, I could invite three more friends to join us for say lunch or dinner. Eating delicious food makes it more exciting when shared with the company of real friends and I'm sure they'll love to have some more food or in vernacular, "lalo silang gaganahan" (they'll have a bigger appetite) since these chairs will make them "at-home" and comfortable even more. 

Do check out Mandaue Foam's newest TV ad and you're sure to find something you'll like to have or purchase as well : 

These are three of my great finds from the Mandaue Foam website catalogue. I'll be saving money to buy these for myself. The truth of the matter was, it's hard to choose from the wide array of items on the site because you're going to like all of them. But for mer, these three items above are my great finds. They may look simple and ordinary, but I'm sure they're made from the finest quality since they're made by Mandaue Foam--a company Filipinos had been trusting for years.

Visit and browse through Mandaue Foam's official website and you're sure to hone your imagination with their amazing products. You will definitely visualize your dream home and blend them perfectly well with items and products you'll find on Mandaue Foam's online catalogue.

I hope since Nuffnang and Mandaue Foam partners for the movie screening of The Bourne Legacy next month, I do hope my luck strikes again and I wish to be part of its invited bloggers. I do want to see the film so as to know where they shot the scenes in Manila and be proud as I watch our locals become talents for the film. I'm sure as Filipinos see the film, they would feel Filipino pride in their hearts, knowing fully well that we do not only able to showcase Pinoy acting talents but also the very place we call Home--the Philippines.

With the rise of Filipino talents supported by Nuffnang and Mandaue Foam, it's always nice to come home to the country. I'd buy a DVD of this movie once it comes out in Blu-ray. I'd love to watch this film while I am lying on my Mandaue Foam bed. Speaking of such, I think it's past my bed time...I better finish this blog post before I head for slumberland. With Mandaue Foam--you're going to think of your home, your imagination.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

AOC LAUNCHES THE ULTRA SLIM IPS AND 3D MONITORS

AOC 3D Monitor and AOC i2353 IPS

Art of Colors, better known in the industry as AOC, the world’s leading supplier of professional display recently launched the AOC D2357Ph 3D Monitor and AOC i2353 IPS Monitor at the Nuvo Bar in Greenbelt. “Only AOC can deliver images with crystal-like clarity and precision; you’ll get to enjoy 3D films with life-like qualities,” says Jay Ranola of EA Global.  

AOC 3D Monitor

On the other hand, the AOC i2353 IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitor has a brushed-metallic surface, super slim body display (just a 9.2 mm thin) and transparent crystal stand. You’ll love its soft-touch control illuminated base that can be tilt into a sleek wall mount if you desired (VESA standard), No wonder, the i2353Ph won the “IT design award in China 2010”. 

Blogger Dennis Esplana tries on the 3D Glasses.

Ms. Ula Ladrillo,  AOS Senior Product Manager

The AOC D2357 3D Monitor is a new generation of borderless 3D monitors, providing consumers with enhanced digital content and consumption. A sure delight for 3D aficionados, it has a viewing angle of professional panels and delivers cinematic quality pictures making watching movies come to life, playing games and editing photos an extraordinary experience. The AOC 57 Series includes 2D to 3D software that instantly takes you to another dimension or simulated 3D. An ordinary 2D movie can easily be converted into a 3D movie in real time. It has an ultra slim bezel around the screen thereby creating a seemingly borderless display. It comes with its own polarized 3D glasses that are flicker free, no cross talk, high brightness and comfortable and affordable glasses. It’s less than 10mm with direct input/output.  It has a detachable base, photo frame type monitor. It provides productivity and truly spells ergonomic. For the 23” 3D monitor, it already comes with two 3D glasses with an SRP of P16, 400.  “Those who says they can’t wear 3D glasses because their eyes have problems (graded glasses/blurry eyes), the 3D glasses have clip-ons for them,” says Ula Ladrillo, Senior Product Manager of AOC Monitors.

AOC Montor's Mr. Jay Ranola welcomes the guests.

Blogger raffle winner of 3D AOC Monitor Ms. Vanessa "Ness" Mercader smiles before the camera.

Host of the day former beauty pageant runner-up Ms. Cai Subijano

More than just the impressive IPS panel, its superior type of screen and consistent image appearance, the 2353Ph is not only such a sight to behold. Equipped with multiple power saving features for reduced environment impact. The LED backlight has no toxic mercury. “AOC has earned a reputation for selling user-friendly, technologically superior displays that fit seamlessly into consumers’ digital lifestyles,” enthuses Ula Ladrillo. For those who lived in the boondocks and are not familiar with the AOC brand, it is a world leader in the display technology (from its headquarter in Taipei) for monitors and televisions, backed by over six decades of design and manufacturing experience.

In line with the release of these amazing monitors, AOC have also partnered with Twentieth Century Fox International, as they bring you Ice Age 4: Continental drift merchandise collectibles for every purchase of selected AOC monitor models such as AOC D2357Ph, i2353Ph, or 2350sh. The little treat contains any of the following co-branded t-shirts, water bottle thermos, notebook or eco bag, This promotion is open to all participating dealers nationwide and is available from July 12 to August 15, 2012. Customers may avail of this promo at any of the following stores nationwide: Octagon, Silicon Valley, PC Express, PC Corner, Enigma, Infrowrox/PC Worx, PC Quarters, Complink, Asianic, PC Chain, Microstation, PC Options, TQM, and Tech Head.

For more information about AOC and its products, please visit www.aoc.com

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Alberto Abadiez of First Tier Branding Solutions and Ms. Sheena Catalan.

ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP: LIVE AT THE SMART ARANETA COLISEUM THIS AUGUST 31

 If you had been reading my blog and you knew me personally, then you must know that I’ve been proud to be related to UFC MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter The Filipino Wrecking Machine Mark Munoz. I had previously written an article/blog post about him here and although I’m personally disappointed on the results of his recent fight, I believe my uncle Mark had shown how big his heart through his fight. Imagine just recovering from an injury then trying to come back fighting someone else who hasn’t been defeated yet? Well, that is another story though.

My very own presscon ID.

Mr. Victor Cui, center, CEO of One Fighting Championship speaks during the presscon with world fighting champions. 

I recently attended One Fighting Championship press conference held at the Magellan Function room of Discovery Suites in Ortigas. I was delighted to learn that One FC, MMA’s largest organization in Asia brings to us LIVE the largest MMA fighting event in Philippine history. It’s going to be one hell of an excellent night having the best fighters fight at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. “We have put together the greatest card in ONE FC history for our Manila event. When you put in Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki and Bibiano Fernandes on the same card, one can expect nothing less than an epic night of world-class MMA action Manila had never seen before,” enthuses Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Fighting Championship, a man of Filipino parentage but born and bred in Canada.

Blogger Jayson Biadog was a delighted fan with Australia's Gustavo Falciroli.

Gustavo Farciroli and another fighter.

Filipino MMA fans will also be happy to note that there will be Filipinos fighting in this historic sports event like Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang, whom the media says would be the “Manny Pacquiao of MMA”.  It’s going to be a jampacked event where you don’t need to spend bucks just to get to Las Vegas to watch a good fight, instead One FC brought them all here in Manila this August 31^st

Tickets for ONE FC: Pride of a Nation are now on sale through TicketNet at www.ticketnet.com.ph or at all TicketNet outlets located at SM department store customer service area and at the SMART Araneta Coliseum ticket booth. Hurry, tickets are expected to be sold out soon! For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 911 5555. Tickets are priced at Php4,500 for VIP experience seating that includes exclusive Red Carpet entrance as well as access to VIP Lounge, followed by Php2,000, Php1,000, Php650, Php500 and Php200. Get you tickets NOW!

SM THE BLOCK FASHION SHOW

SM THE BLOCK recently staged a fashion show coinciding the much-awaited GREAT NORTHERN SALE (a three-day mall-wide sale held annually). Popular clothing line brands such as Marithe Francois Girbaud, Sebago, CEO, Plains and Prints, Tomato Green, Tomato and Espada unveiled their latest collections as models sashayed down the ramp wearing their fab clothes. 

Models on the runway wearing Plains and Prints.

Safari collection from Plains and Prints.

Plains and Prints had three different collections on stage with the themes: Morocco, Safari and Modern Africa. Chic yet classic clothes were part of the Morocco theme while the clean cuts with warm glow providing what’s in with the urban’s finest are the ones seen on Modern Africa. Safari collection was all about the zebra-prints, tiger-skinned brown colored hues on soft fabrics. 

Jean-o-logy from Marithe Francois Girbaud.

Le Jean de Marithe Francois Girbaud showcased their slim-fitted jeans, body hugging shirts and blouses, stylish old-fashioned quality jeans that loyal consumers had always loved. Tomato Green showed the men in different colorful subtle clothing such as preppy, jock, nerdy and casual clothes that spells coolness. 

The men comes back a little later with a collection of smart office clothing and suits from CEO while the women showed their numbers in fashionable and trendy office wear in Espada. There were ooohs and aaahs again as the men and women of ramp fashion walks down the catways.

Truly, we were amazed from the awesome trendy collection sashayed by the models on the ramp.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Mr. Azrael Coladilla and Mr. Jack Quimpo.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.