NESTLE PHILIPPINES GIVE THANKS WITH A BLOGGERS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY

 Nestle Philippines recently invited selected (not to mention lucky) bloggers to an exclusive bloggers’ Christmas party held at the Nestle Philippines main office in Rockwell Center, Makati City. Ms. Aurora Alipao, Nestle Consumer Services Head warmly welcomed the bloggers who came. Being a Nestle Club member for so many years now, it felt like coming home to a long lost relative after seeing the different improvements on the Julius Maggi Kitchen where the said party was held. You see, I used to frequent the JMK before I had considered taking my pastry and baking courses back then. I remember taking down notes even if the Nestle staff would be giving out printed recipes. And yes, I could recall the free flowing of Nescafe coffee or Milo from the vendo machine. Oh, it’s so nice to reminisce the old times!

Bloggers Jing Javier and Lariza Garcia

 The last time I was in the Nestle office, I remember being invited by TV5’s Mr. Carlo Ople for the Nestle 100 Years. I was so happy to cover that momentous event on my blog and I’d say that it had been the highest hits of page views on PurplePlum Fairy. I had also been privileged to encounter and shook Mr. John Miller’s hands. It was indeed a very humbling experience because Mr. Miller is the President of Nestle SA. In a brief encounter with him (although my “nose bleeds” for my grasp of proper conversational English), I no longer wonder why Nestle Philippines became a brand that Filipinos have trusted for years. He was a levelheaded man with a strong keen for details and genuine care and concern for consumers. I grew up using Nestle products but I had started patronizing more Nestle products after I had met Mr. Miller.

Ma'am Au Alipao, Ms. Leslie and the resident Nutritionist. 

Chef Tess, Sir Lester and another Nestle exec.

 Now, going back to the Christmas Party that Nestle had given for bloggers, I guess I had been really lucky to be a part of it.  Although Ms. Alipao and I had only closely exchanged brief conversations before, I was more than happy to see her again as well as Chef Tess Sutillo (with whom I’ve learned the basics of cooking). I felt really flattered to have been part of this party. There were foods: tokwa’t baboy, pancit canton, leche flan, lumpiang shanghai, fresh lumpia, roasted chicken, roasted pork, caramel yema cake, soda, juices etc.

There was even a game where bloggers were divided into two teams, there were questions about nutrition and we just had to answer true or false. While having fun, it was great in a way because we’re able to learn more about nutrition as Nestlé’s resident nutritionist was there to explain to us everything. In the end, even if we lost the game, we gained some information on proper nutrition.

The lovely Ms. Lace welcomed us all.

Our current NIDO favorite Fortified Melon!

Fresh Lumpia

Grilled Barbecue

Caramel cake for those with sweet tooth

Leche flan

Lumpiang Shanghai

JMK Loot bags were filled with Nestle products.

My Kyle loved these Koko Krunch Duo and more!

 What I loved most about Nestle aside from the products are the warmth of its people. They all seemed like family to me and hopefully I’d get to see them more often.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Ms. Lariza Garcia, Ms. Au Alipao, Chef Tess Sutillo, Ms. Lace, Ms. Leslie, Sir Lester and all the Nestle executives who made us felt like real family that day.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

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

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY WITH HYGIENE SCIENCE: DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF HYGIENE 24 HAND SHIELD AND HYGIENE PRO SURFACE SHIELD

 I am such a clean freak. Since I became an instant “mom” ten years ago, I want to be in control at all times—I make sure that my family brings not just wet wipes, ethyl alcohol spray and antibacterial hand sanitizer for instant germ protection each time we go out. I’m sure most Mommies out there could relate with my being OC (read: obsessive compulsive) when it comes to cleanliness. However, there had been disadvantages—some products could make our hands dry and rough. I’ve always been in search for a product that fits us to a T. We needed something that should be gentle on our hands yet tough on germs. Good thing, I recently discovered HYGIENE PRO by HYGIENE SCIENCE. 

So what does Hygiene 24 hand shield had that others does not have? For one, it comes in a self-pumped pet bottle and is foamy. Other popular alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill germs only while wet. Once dry, you’re immediately susceptible to recontamination. Hygiene 24 is a broad-spectrum anti-microbial hand shield that kills germs and protects all day with just a single application. Laboratory tests had shown that Hygiene 24 formula kills and protects against bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, algae and protozoa. It is non-drying as it coats the skin and nails with protective and invisible shield. Based on research, it protects from germs for up to 10 hand washings with soap and water without reapplication. But what I love most is that it had a soothing feel, prevents skin drying and is safe for kids, pets and plants. How’s that for a product? It is indeed every Mom’s best friend.

 I was able to try it and I’d have to say, it’s really good. It does not have the sticky after feel that one would usually get after applying an ordinary hand sanitizer. It does not make our hands dry too. The scent is just light, somewhat lemon scented. And since it’s foamy, spilling will not be a problem.

HYGIENE PRO Antimicrobial Surface Coating protects your home, office, clinic and whatever area while saving on disinfectant cost. It’s so simple to use, just wipe over and spray on surfaces and let dry. It’s perfect for bloggers like me—I could use it on my keyboard, cellphone, tables, faucets, monitor, toilets, kitchens, bags, shoes, carpets, drapes, aircon, undies and scrub suits, furniture, play area and even on our kids’ toys. No worries though because it is food safe, non-corrosive, adheres to almost all surfaces, non toxic to humans and animals and non carcinogenic. Environmentalists will also be glad to know that it is environmentally stable. The solution prevents cross contamination, kills bacteria, viruses, molds, algae, fungi and protozoa for weeks even with a single application. Both Hygiene Science products mentioned also kills MRSA, VRE, E. coli, strep, enterovirus, H1N1 etc. for 24 hours with a single application. 

Indeed, these products are amazing breakthrough that we Mommies need to protect our families from germs, bacterias and viruses. These will surely give all Mommies peace of mind, knowing fully well that we’ve got our family covered as they use these breakthrough products.

For more information on Hygiene Science and their products, email info@hsi.com.ph or call them at (02) 836-5868 or 836-5885. You can also visit their website at www.hsi.com.ph.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Mr. Azrael Colladilla, Mr. Dino Gil and Hygiene Science.

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

ZENDEE ROSE TENEREFE RELEASES NEW SINGLE

Zendee finally sets her spirit free with her new single Runaway

Call it Serendipity. Call it any other way you want it. But for someone like Zendee Rose Tenerefe--everything just seemed to have fallen into their right places at the right time. Better known as the "Random Girl" , "Mystery Karaoke Girl", "Viral Diva" and "Supermarket Superstar", she was the girl who was captured on video by a passerby (Yuan  Juan or youngjay0918 who happened to be a video blogger) while singing  Jennifer Holiday's "And I Am Telling You"--at a videoke display stand in a supermarket. That video, posted on July 28, 2012 on YouTube,  which quickly went viral, granering over 2 million hits, 14,063 likes and more than 5,000 comments.

If you guys live in the boondocks, here's Zendee's video: This video was taken from YouTube.





Zendee Rose Tenerefe soon became popular and this video brought the attention of Warner Music Philippines to sign her up as one of their recording artists. She also gained more popularity by guesting on The Ellen DeGeneres Show--exactly a month after that video was uploaded. During the show, DeGeneres gifted Zendee an iPad 3.

If you have failed to watch it, here's the video of her guesting:

Zendee is now officially a recording artist as she releases her very first single “Runaway” under Warner music Philippines. The song showcases Zendee’s powerful and soulful voice as it shows some vocal gymnastics with a twist, clearly showing Zendee’s singing prowess that will surely be loved by her fans.

Runaway is about not allowing difficulties to get in the way of your dreams, just like Zendee did. The song was written by Andrew Fromm, who has also written for the likes of The Backstreet Boys, Nync, and JoJo. With such fantastic voice, Fromm wishes that the song will be bringing more recognition for Zendee’s world class talent.

Zendee's such a natural girl with extraordinary talent. Watch this video and see for yourself how this provincial lass aspired for her dreams and finally nailed it. 

Zendee honestly answers questions from the media people during the launch.

Runaway will also mark as the first local recording to be mastered for iTunes for the Philippines by Warner Music Philippines and Asia Pacific. It only meant that the recording is mastered and optimized for increased audio quality in digital format.

 “I am super excited to hear my single being played on the airwaves. I am also pretty excited for my very first album set to release soon, probably by February next year. My dream is to have a concert of my own where fans and supporters will be able to sing along with me as I sing my songs,” says Zendee.

Listen to Zendee as she gives us a sample of her first single: 

You can preview and download Zendee’s Runaway single on iTunes and catch more of her on her social media sites.

www.zendee.com.ph

http://www.facebook.com/Zendee.Music

www.twitter.com/ZendeeOfficial

http://www.youtube.com/zendeerosetenerrefe

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Ms. Nana Nadal and Warner Music Philippines for the opportunity to meet Ms. Zendee. 

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

SI AGIMAT, SI ENTENG AT SI AKO: BIGGER, GRANDER TRIPLE BOX OFFICE STARS IN MMFF 2012 FANTASY-ADVENTURE THAT TACKLES ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Two years after making the monumental success of the joint movie venture of Agimat and Enteng Kabisote in 2010, Vic Sotto and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.—two of the Metro Manila Film Festival giant forces—once again join their stellar forces as they come up with another movie sequel and added up another equally bankable actress in the person of Ms. Judy Ann Santos in Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako for this year’s MMFF 2012. 

The three giant cast of Si Agimat, Si Enteng kabisote at si Ako: Sen. Bong Revilla, Judy Ann Santos and Vic Sotto

Produced jointly by Imus Productions, M-Zet, APT Entertainment OctoArts Films, and GMA Films, “Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako is nonetheless predicted to make it at the tills, not just to bring in good cheer to the holiday season and festivities but also to teach families traditional values to love and cherish their family and protect the environment as the movie brings fun and magical fantasy when it starts to be shown on Christmas Day, December 25. 

Directed by Tony Y. Reyes (who helmed the rest of the Okay ka Fairy Ko and Enteng Kabisote series in the past), Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako is one big-budgeted film with not just one but three box-office giants in the movie industry. It also used dedicated sound stages, CGI effects and with five production companies backing this project, everyone predicts it as a runaway winner. 

 “Two years ago, after our first team-up with Mr. Bong Revilla, we sort of had a gentleman’s agreement that we make another film soon as a follow-up. There was a point in the story that needs to finish and this is exactly where the story of Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako starts. It picks up where the last film we had left off,” shares Mr. Vic Sotto, during the Bloggers Night for this film held recently at Annabel’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

The film will still have the support of Eat Bulaga’s beloved comedy duo Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo with Sam Pinto, Gwen Zamora, Aiza Seguerra, John Lapus, Jolo Revilla, Oyo Boy Sotto, Ruby Rodriguez, Barbie Forteza, Alden Richards, Amy Perez, Yassi Pressman, Anton Revilla and child stars Jillian Ward and Eat Bulaga’s newest Cha-cha darling Ryzza Mae Dizon. 

As with the past Enteng movies, Sotto said that Filipino audience would still be delighted to know that the film was made with kids in mind—so it tells the value of family, marriage, friendship, responsibility, love, respect, and forgiveness as it tackles more relevant issues such as environment protection. It had everything in one gigantic film—drama, action, magic, visual effects, production design, cinematography (which shows the beauty of Northern Ilocos such as the famous Sand Dunes) and unlimited fun and laughter while instilling moral values. Indeed, it’s one entertainment Filipinos should not miss!

Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako will be shown in local theaters nationwide beginning December 25. 

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Ms. Melai Entuna, Mr. Azrael Coladilla and Ms. Dems Angeles for my photo with Vic Sotto. 

NICKSTERS’ HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE WITH NICKELODEON’S SHARELEBRATION

Nickelodeon favorite Diego, Dora The Explorer and Kai-Lan 

Nicksters and loyal fans of Nickeleodeon all trouped to the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last December 16 to spread the holiday cheer for the kids of Gawad Kalinga at the recent SHARElebration event. Nickelodeon friends came in and brought in toys, clothes, books and money for donations. 

“Through SHARElebration, kids were able to take part in more than just merrymaking as the event gave them an opportunity to learn the value of sharing, and encouraged them to be good examples that other kids can follow,” says Nickelodeon Philippines Marketing and Communications Manager, Carla de Castro.

There were loads of game booths, play area, freebies and on-stage games during the event that kids and those kids-at-heart truly enjoyed. There were entertainment and fun prizes while the kids were also delighted to see their favorite Nickelodeon characters Dora the Explorer, Diego and Kai-Lan—as they made special appearances and danced onstage. 

Two cancer-stricken kids got their wishes come true with MAKE-AWISH FOUNDATION.

My Kyle loved attending Nickelodeon events because he says he’s able to meet new friends while having fun. And this SHARElebration was even better because he knew he’s able to make other kids happy in his own little way. Toys of all shapes, sizes and colors poured in as Nicksters shared their blessings to less fortunate kids from Gawad Kalinga in Imus, Cavite. 

During the said event, two brave cancer victim kids’ wishes were able to realize as MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION through the help of Nickelodeon Philippines fulfilled their wishes by gifting both girls with Dora The Explorer toys.

Mr. Potato Head and Ms. Play Doughtub graced the show.

Sharelebration dancers performed before the audience.

Awesome games onstage with host Robby.

Acrobatics performed onstage to the audience delight!

We were able to go home tired from the long journey we had in going to SM Mall of Asia, but it was all worth it. Kyle, though only 10-years-old knew that sharing his blessings was not beyond his means after all. In fact, he’s eager to collect more toys and books for future SHARElebration events. “If I’d get rich, I’d surely donate more,” says my beloved Kyle. As his guardian, there’s nothing like seeing kids like him with such genuine glow on their faces…like some sense of awe. It only meant one thing—that he had felt how good it was to help others. And to me, being happy inside is not something that you can’t just buy elsewhere. It is what Christmas is all about—feeling the true meaning of the season deep within your hearts. 

Indeed, Nickelodeon’s SHARElebration is one fun-filled event kids shouldn’t miss—as it teaches kids to share whatever blessings they may have while having fun—all in the spirit of giving and the holiday season!  You too can volunteer next year and experience Christmas like no other! For more information, log on to www.nick-asia.com/sharelebration or www.facebook.com/nickasia.

Nickelodeon’s SHARElebration was presented by Alaska Choco, and co-sponsored by Goldilocks Bakeshop, Hasbro, Krim Sticks, Selecta Ice cream, Shell, Sunkist and Super Stix.  

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Stratworks, Nickelodeon and Ms. Ginny for the invite. 

TORQUE OFFERS THE BEST OF TECHNOLOGY AS IT INTRODUCES TORQUE MEDIA

Philippine brand TORQUE continues to level up the mobile phone scene for Filipino users with its new TORQUE MEDIA Technology. A brand known for coming up with affordable “Music-all-you-can, movies-all-you-can mobile features, TORQUE mobile phones have expandable external memory up to 32 GB. Each phone also comes with a 3.5 mm Headset jack for audiophiles to enjoy the best sound quality. What sets Torque mobile phones apart is the customization. End users can personalize their SIM names (since it is a dual SIM, it can be confusing to just see SIM1 or SIM2) set to each operator names.

TORQUE’s amazing line mobile units: D5, D9, DQ10 TV, DTV20, i18 Fad, 177 Click, and Droidz Flash. All products mentioned  (except for Droidz Flash) are with dual SIM capability with features that all consumers will surely enjoy and sold at very affordable prices. They have FM radio capability, camera with video recorder, multimedia player and an expandable memory up to 32GB and 3.5 mm headset. 

TORQUE’s Droidz Flash has a 7.0” WVGA 800x480 Capacitive Touchscreen, multi-touch zoom, slim form, 3-Axis Gyro/Accelerometer with an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Operating System for a refined interface and easy access thus making it more engaging and interesting. Running at 1.2 GHz CPU with 4GB ROM and 512 RAM, Droidz Flash is such an eye candy but it does have its own functions, power and connectivity. Equipped with dual cameras with 2-megapixel rear camera and VGA camera upfront. It has Micro-SD slot, 3.5 mm Stereo Headset and full-HD 1080p video for a complete movie experience. WiFi ready or 3G USB stick that allows you to be connected anytime and anywhere. 

During the recent TORQUE event held at Le Pavillion, they had given the press a bird’s eye view of the more exciting TORQUE products next year with more powerful and faster processing Droidz Smartphones. All the series models run at 1GHz Dual Core CPU with 4GB ROM and 512MB RAM. It will also feature the latest Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) OS, Mini-USB port, Light/Proximity Sensors, global roaming and faster connectivity, 3.5G HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100MHz at DL 7.2 mbps/U: 5.76 Mbps, Quadband GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz. All models support dual cameras with 8MP rear with LED flash and VGA front camera. Other additional features include WiFi/Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Tethering, GPS and AGPS Support. 

Choose among the series with large display Pinoy Droidz: affordable DROIDZ Atom with 4.0” WVGA 800x480 Capacitive Touch, or DROIDZ Blast with 4.7’qHD 960x540 Capacitive Touch, or DROIDZ Motion with 5.3” qHD 960x540 Capacitive Touch or huge DROIDZ Life with 6.0” FWVGA 854x480 Capacitive Touch. 

Next year will also be the launch of DROIDZ PORTAL AND DROIDZ ULTIMATE TABLETS. These two models have Call and Text features, JAVA/SMS/MMS capabilities, WiFi, Bluetooth, WiFi Tethering, GPS, and AGPS Support, 3.5 mm stereo headjack, micro USB port, Light/Proximity/Gravity Sensors. Both also use the latest Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). Users will be happy to know that it had the speed and bandwidth of HSDPA 7.2 Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76 Mbps and 3.5 HSDPA 850/900/2100MHZ. 

With these amazing products, TORQUE ought to make more quality and value for money products for the Filipino consumers. Next in line will be the exciting “Inspire” series soon. Do watch out for it!

For the complete price list, promos and information about TORQUE products, please visit www.torque.ph

Purple Plum Fairy thanks TORQUE, Ms. Lynda Consigo, Outbound Communications and Mr. Rain De Ocampo.

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

GRACENOTE LAUNCHES ALBUM: GRACENOTE FIRST MOVEMENT

Gracenote Members: EJ Pichay, Eunice Jorge, Jazz Jorge and Chen Pangan.

Gracenote--According to Wikipedia, it is a kind of music notation used to denote several kinds of musical instruments. But nowadays, the name rings a bell among the youth and music lovers. A band named Gracenote had been slowly but surely making waves in the music industry. Composed of young and promising artists, Gracenote is a band made up of St. Scholastica's College of Music grads who first jammed in 2008 at the Nescafe Soundskool. Made up of multi-instrumentalist Eunice Jorge, guitarist Chen Pangan, drummer EJ Pichay and bassist Jazz Jorge. Since then they have been mentored by pop-rockers 6 Cyclemind lead by Rye Sarmiento.

The group had developed a steady followers on their social media accounts as the band continue to hone their skills, enthusiasm and onstage presence. They finally got the recognition they deserved and fortunately, fans no longer need to wait as Gracenote had just recently released their very first album called Gracenote: The First Movement with eight original tracks to boot!

The album was recently launched at the 70's Bistro in Anonas and it was well attended by their loyal fans and supporters including Callalily's main man Kean Cipriano, the entire 6Cyclemind band, young actor Janus Del Prado and veteran stage actor/UP Professor Ramon Bautista. Everyone had been so excited with the release of the band's first album. "We were still on cloud nine, "gushes Eunice, Gracenote's vocalist/songwriter and violinist.  "Until now, we could not believe how blessed we are to be noticed and given such support.," she adds.

Gracenote also had just emerged as Meg's Top Choice Awards 2012 for Top Newcomer (Music) of the Year. "It's really been a great year for the group, "said Gracenote's guitarist, Chen. "We were ecstatic by the reponse we have received from our family, fans, friends and  just about everyone!"

Gracenote: The First Movement is released by Soupstar Music and distributed by Universal Records, Gracenote fans around the globe will be happy to know that the said album showcases the group's vocal charm and rocking precision.  The cut "Pwede Ako" will surely bring one some LSS (last song syndrome) to you as you listen to Eunice's voice on your headphone.  Meanwhile, "Amnesia" is a song made for the heartbroken where the band clearly showed their individual and collective skills. There's also an acoustic version of "Amnesia" giving fans the choice which type of songs to listen to. For that big rock ballad you're looking for, "Faraway" should be the song you need to listen to.

To sample their music, listen and watch this video:

The group GraceNote gamely talked to the press.

With such amazing talents, level-headed attitude and the support of loyal fans across the globe, Gracenote had no other way to go but UP!

For GraceNote fans out there, the group has left a message for all of you. Do watch this video: 

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Gracenote and Corrine Emata for the invite.

MAX’S RESTAURANT SPREADS THE HOLIDAY CHEER TO BLOGGERS

Max’sRestaurant recently invited selected bloggers to a fun-filled evening as they give bloggers their very own Christmas party as a restaurant’s way of saying thanks for the support bloggers had given to the house where chicken was built. Max’s Restaurant together with Bright Ideas held the search for Bloggers Got Talent. 

Sumptuous dinner meals consisting of Max’s house favorites like creamy Kare-Kare, sinfully crispy Lechon Kawali, Daing naBangus, Sinigang naHipon, and of course, the famous Max’s house specialty—Sarap-to-the-bones Fried Chicken. Since it is also the birthday of Alwin Aguirre, he was also given a special surprise by Max’s as staff of their Greenbelt restaurant rendered a Happy Birthday song and gave him one of their coffee flavored cakes from Max’s Corner Bakery.  Buko Pandan was also served as desserts. 

Kare-kare

Crispy Lechon Kawali

Daing na Bangus

Sinigang na Hipon.

After the dinner, bloggers were then led to Red Box Greenbelt 3 where they had the mini Christmas party as well as the Bloggers Got Talent contest. There were raffle prizes, cocktail and drinks to boot. Everyone participated even the non-singers (ehem..alas! I am one of them!) and eventually after the tally of scores from the board of judges, bloggersJing (Champion), runner ups Rain De Ocampo and Jennifer Valmonte emerged as the winners. Jing Javier won Php5,000 cash and a mini trophy, Rain and Jen also got cash prizes too!

Alwin Aguirre was surprised with a birthday cake and song by the Max's staff.

Second Runnerup Jennifer Valmonte belts out a broadway song.

Jing Javier emerged as the Bloggers' Got Talent Champion

Everybody went home happy as everybody received prizes from the raffle, Max’s giveaways (journal + a Christmas pack from Max’s Corner Bakery goodies).  It was indeed a joyous evening for everyone who attended the said event. 

Christmas goodies from Max's Corner Bakery.

Merry Christmas Max’s family and Bright Ideas family! We felt truly blessed to be invited by Max’s.  Rest assured that we will always support Max’s.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Max’s Restaurant and Bright Ideas esp. Mr. Bobby Simborio, Ms. Maui Terrado, and Ms. Portia Terrado.

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