MOVE: THE FIRST LIFESTYLE STORE IN THE PHILIPPINES OPENS AT TWO PARKADE, BONIFACIO GLOBALCITY

Sports and fitness enthusiasts, rejoice! MOVE, the very first lifestyle store in the country opened its doors to the public. Located at Two Parkade, Bonifacio Global City, along the corners of 7^th Avenue and 30^th Street, MOVE is a one-stop shop for everything and anything you need to stay active, healthy and fit. With the best workout gears such as flexibility aids, cardio training tools, TRX, core and abdominal muscles training gears, sports medicines, top-of-the-line and state-of-the-art home and commercial fitness equipment and accessories and outfits all the way down to the nutritional supplements—MOVE seems to have it all! What’s more? MOVE not only has the must-have gears for your active lifestyle, they will even help you how to use these awesome gears and tools how to properly use them.

So what makes MOVE different from any ordinary sports store there is? Let’s just say that MOVE takes it vision from the words of Aristotle, “Life is movement.” According to its President, Mr. Toby Claudio (of Quorum Group, the same brains behind successful specialty chains Toby’s Sports and RUNNR), he was inspired upon reading the book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Reading that book became an eye-opener for Mr. Claudio. He felt he needed to do something to help people to change their sedentary lives. And so he thought of MOVE.



Quorum President Mr. Toby Claudio welcomes the guests.

 MOVE helps patrons choose one of four fitness goals based on their body composition: Burn, Build, perform or be Active. The four-step process helps in the transformation. In-house fitness consultants are ready to help so that customers find the right gear best-suited to his or her goal, and unlike other sports store where they wouldn’t even care about how their clients will use the items they’ve purchased—it’s a whole different case with MOVE. MOVE teaches its customers how to use their purchased fitness tools properly.

Another thing that customers shouldn’t miss is the Free GE ‘In-Body’ body composition analysis (worth Php 1,500) for a minimum single transaction purchase. During the press launch, I had been able to try it out myself and I’ve had to say it’s really helpful. A copy of the analysis kept on file. Subsequent visits to MOVE come with perks too. Upon achieving your fitness goals or improvements achieved and measured by the analyzer—such as 15 percent reduction in body fat, or 15 percent improvement in body mass, you’ll be getting rewards. You can get either discounts or gift vouchers equivalent with your next purchase amount. Where else can you get such big perks while becoming a healthier YOU?

Top of the line core building items from Go Fit.

They will teach you how to use it.

The printout showed Body Composition with normal range (or ideal weight for your height) of weight, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass—it even showed that I unconsciously put my entire weight often on one foot! And of course, as expected, I had to cut a lot more unhealthy sources of fat and start eating and living a healthier life if I’d want to live longer. The in-house consultant advises,” Ma’am, it is really you. This printout is like your personal ID. Use it to your advantage. After all, you’re still young. Just set a personal goal and try to achieve them one at a time. It’s never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle.”

Kettlebells are also available.

 Lifting heavy weights can now be made easier.

It isn't about repetition but consistency in training.

With my ongoing bouts with stubborn fats, extra pounds and sleep apnea, plus a family history of stroke and diabetes—I know and I am certain, this is some sort of awake up call. Oh, by the way, do check out the free premiere issue of MOVE magazine too. It features sports science professor and popular coach Jim Saret. Get yourselves a copy, it’ll definitely give you tips and will surely inspire you more.  In doing so, you just might get at least 15 to 20 percent off on the best fitness equipment and accessories brands plus a free GE ‘In-Body’ body composition analysis. The magazine comes out every quarter, so be sure to get a copy each time to be updated with the latest promos, events, tips and become more inspired to get that fit and healthy body you've always wanted.

The MOVE Magazine

Event host Juddah Paolo.

Healthy meals catered by The Sexy Chef.

Come and visit the country’s most innovative fitness lifestyle store, MOVE, now open at Two Parkade, Bonifacio Global City. For more info, visit their website: www.movefitness.com.ph

By the way, Coach Jim Saret and company also has the Metafit T90 Fitness Challenge. Go and check it out too! With such, you're sure to be on your way to a healthy body and healthy lifestyle. MOVE carries equipment, accessories, and apparel from the world's fitness brands such as Startrac, Sole, Danskin, Proteus, JK, Go Fit, Biggest Loser, TRX, Polar, Theraband, and CW-X Compression wear.

For more info, please contact MOVE Fitness Lifestyle Store at (02) 403-1787.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks LDL Marketing, Ms. Claudine De Leon, Ms. Mica Agdamag, Ms. Chesca Peralejo, Mr. Toby Claudio, and Ms. Nicole Limon.

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

NICKELODEON’S SUMMER FESTIVAL INVITES NICKSTERS TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON OF FUN!

Calling all NICKSTERS!!!! Nickelodeon, our all-time favorite cable channel once again invites kids, teens and kids-at-heart for another summer bonding activity of fun and games before the summer vacation bids us all goodbye. Dubbed as Nickelodeon Summer festival, it promises to be another fun-filled day of games, fun and surprises. It will be held on May 4, 2013, from 3PM to 6PM at the corner of 9^th Avenue and 30^th Street at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Expect loads of awesomeness in this festival as always complete with energy-pumping games + cool prizes! Make a pizza fiesta with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, catch the jellyfish with Spongebob Squarepants, and play to learn with Team Umazoomi and the Bubble Guppies.

There will also be game booths with our well-loved Nick shows such as Dora the Explorer, Kung Fu Panda, Legendof Korra, Team Umazoomi and the Winx Club. A giant inflatable will also be there so you can slide and bounce all you want the entire afternoon. Plus, don’t miss out on the You Gotta See This Backstage Pass and feel like a Nick star, but be ready to get wet and slimed!

Do watch out for the Sandugo Guardline as they will be having a flag exhibition. The Buganda Drumbeaters will also add music to the afternoon. Of course, our beloved Dora, Spongebob, Patrick Star, and Diego will also be gracing the afternoon. Boys will surely be happy to note that Leonardo and Donatello of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will also be joining us and thus making their very first appearance in the Philippines!

What makes this event more special is that admission is absolutely FREE! So don’t miss the Nickelodeon Summer Festival and slime your way in the coolest kids’ event this summer. So mark that date red and come with your family and friends. See you all there!

Nickelodeon Summer Festival is presented by Toy Kingdom, and co-sponsored by AirAsia, Chubby, Goody Gulp Milk Drink, Jack N’ Jill Knots, Mega Bloks, Propan TLC, Selecta paddle Pops, Sketchers Kids, and Teenage Mutant Ninka Turtles. Official venue is Bonifacio Global City.

For more information, visit www.nick-asia.com and www.facebook.com/nickasia.

KIDZART: SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR KIDS

 You know it is summer when apart from the scorching heat of the sun, you’ll see kids running in and out of the house. And in as much as you’d want to spend time with them, Mommies like us would surely want to make sure that our child’s summer vacation must be a productive one. It’s our job to make sure that our children would experience the perfect balance between fun + a new learning experience/something productive activity to occupy their time. Personally, I’d rather see my kid busy with whatever activity he’s interested with than have him bumming out at home lazily sitting on a couch watching television or playing with my pc. So every year, I try to do my own research and talk it out with Kyle about how we’re both going to spend his summer. Of course, there has to be something new or something different each time.

 For Kyle, he’s had hip-hop class and has learned how to back float; hopefully, he’ll be able to perfect his backstroke soon. Although we’ve always had art in Kyle’s summer activities in the past years, it is something that he enjoys the most so I try to incorporate art in his summer activities every year. And just last week, Kyle started doing what he does best—immerse himself in art. He started attending an art class from KidzArt Explore class. A franchise art program from the US, KidzArt had five regular drawing programs that cater to each child’s different abilities based on their ages.

A typical classroom scenario for KidzArt students.

 Squiggles to Grins program targets the toddler ages from 2-3.5 years old—Kids are introduced to lines and shapes that make up the ‘language’ of art. Parents are encouraged to help their kids to indulge in a fun and nurturing environment as they explore the new language of washable paint and other non-toxic art materials to create recognizable forms with inspiring storytelling, poetry and music.

Kyle in a KidzArt apron during class.

 Discover—is a program made for 4 to 5 years old in mind. Kids would discover the discipline of slowing down and focusing. They will start to recognize how lines andshapes can fit together to create a complete whole as they express themselves through drawing by using different media. 
Connect—is a program for kids ages 5 to 6 years old. Kids connect to their work as they take their drawing skills to a personal level by expressing their thoughts and ideas more clearly. They get to experiment with colors and shapes using 2 or 3 dimensional media.

The Summer Camp of KidzArt involves introduction to world art.

 Imagine—are for kids grades 1 to 4. Kids ‘power-up’ their creativity, as they would start to imagine more through reading between the lines and drawing their own conclusions. Here they first develop their personal style and widen their exposure to more advanced art media.

Explore—Made for kids grades 5-7. The realm of possibility is the captivating point in this class. Kids will embark on avirtual journey to explore the many elements of visual arts as they get exposed to a variety of artistic styles, cultural interpretations and mediums. This is the class my dear Kyle’s taking to keep his summer vacation productive. 

KidzArt also had three other special programs such as Fashion and Anime design class for 7 years old and up where basic figure drawing, garment sketching and color/tone matching are taught, Fun with Clay (3-10 y.o.) where kids get their hands on the concepts of 3D modeling, sculptural approaches, material explorations using polymer clay, basic Painting (4 y.o. -up)- painting techniques, painting styles and water-based paints are used.  Oh, and for the summer, KidzArt also had a Summer Art Camp with the theme: Around the World in 10 Days. The first batch has already started, but for the second batch, it will be held staring May 6 until May 17. This is made for kids 4 to 12 years old. Your kids’ creativity will be soaring high as they experience great fun in exploring the world through each featured country’s art. 

Kyle proudly shows off his first day artwork.

 Mommies need not worry over bulky or heavy art materials, for in whatever art class your kids will be taking at KidzArt, all the rates includes the art materials. So basically, your kid just need to show up for his or her KidzArt classes and everything’s well provided by the art teachers.  They also have an apron while the young artists are busy with their masterpiece/creations. Oh, and each class is only up to a maximum of six kids per class.

Kyle's drawing which he wanted to be framed at home. 

Kyle truly enjoyed his first day at KidzArt that he looks forward to his next class. It may seem like a daunting task for someone like Kyle to focus and keep still on his chair while drawing, he’s able to focused and finish the artwork. 

KidzArt currently has four branches: Shaw Boulevard, Valle Verde 5 (Pasig), Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City (Makati).

Just as they claim, “If you can dream, you can draw!” They are not competitive drawing, but they believe that anyone can draw, be it a Picasso-in-the-making or someone who never thought that he or she could draw. 

 For more information, visit KidzArt’s main office is located at the 3^rd floor, 500 Shaw Zentrum, Shaw Blvd Mandaluyong City 

NICKELODEON'S KID'S CHOICE AWARDS PREVIEW PARTY 2013

Slimes of fun, laughter and loads of surprises galore welcomed the guests as Nicksters once again unite for the much-awaited 26th Nickelodeon's Annual Kid's Choice Awards Preview Party held at the Cinema 6 of SM Megamall last April 5, 2013. This year's host was hunky guy Josh Duhamell. 

A teen Nickster with Scott's Berries mascot

Kids and those kids-at-heart (that includes  me) lined up as soon as registration and booths were opened. There have been games and cool raffle prizes that were given away to lucky members of the audience. The lone winner of the annual Toy Run had also been introduced before the start of the KCA screening. They even gave away a limited edition One Direction figure dolls to lucky guests in the raffle that made some teenagers behind my back screamed on top of their lungs hoping that they'd be the lucky ones who'd bring the dolls home. 

Freebies galore like Sunkist juices.

Kyle so happy to be part of this annual event.

My Kyle with his smile.

Raise your hands kids! Those who want to join the games.

A kid does fire a Spongebob toy gun during a game.

Josh Duhamell acts like Korean Sensation Psy

Best Asian Act 

Neil Patrick Harris and Sandra Bullock got slimed. 

Selene Gomez accepts her blimp award.

Dwayne Johnson

Johnny Depp

Spongebob and Patrick Star

Favorite Nick stars' Dora, Diego, Patrick Star and Spongebob also wowed the Nicksters fans with their presence during the opening and closing of the said event. Their special appearance also delighted the fans and some even had the chance for some photo opps.

The jampacked Cinema 6

Neil Patrick Harris and Sandra Bullock who acted out as presenters both got slimed on stage. Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Johnny Depp, Dwayne Johnson, Kristen Stewart, The Hunger Games cast, Lebron James, and my favorite Adam Sandler won their special blimp awards from the KCA.

Our ticket or pass to the event/party.

Josh Duhamell with a Spongebob pillow and  little fairies.

At the end of the preview party, all guests were given a Nickelodeon traveling bag! Woot! Woot! We may not be lucky during the raffle, but we were happy just the same because nobody went home sad, what with a cool and funky bag such as this! Thanks Nickelodeon! Nickelodeon were supported by its sponsors Sunkist, Toy Kingdom, La Dee Da and Scotts Berries.  

The funky loot: a traveling Nickelodeon slimed bag

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Ms. Ginny for the invite. 

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

BRAINMASTER: DEFY MEMORY LOSS AND AGING

Can't remember where you put your glasses? Blanked on your new colleague's name? Forgetting these types of things is a sign of how busy we are," says Dr. Zaldy Tan, Director of Memory Disorders at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Some degree of memory problems, as well as modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of aging. However,  when we're not paying good attention, the memories we form aren't very reboot, and we'll have a problem later on retrieving the information. 

Aging takes its toll on the brain, as well as the rest of our body organs. Our body’s capacity to produce the chemicals and nutrients that our brain cells need to maintain mental wellness and alertness declines over the years.

Normal age-related memory loss doesn't prevent you from living a full and productive life. But just like our bodies, we need to exercise our brains as well. What good is our bodies if you don't have mental capabilities to go with it? 

Our memory, just like the rest of our body needs specific nutrients to stay active, mentally become alert and stay focused. Without proper nutrition and mental stimulation, its sharpness and clarity could decline prematurely. Dietary supplements may help protect yourself from memory decline and defy pre-mature aging as well as it ensures you of optimal benefits from its nutrients that contribute to healthy aging and better memory. 

In such cases, there's BrainMaster to rely on. A product of Whealth Inc., BrainMaster is a memory enhancer aimed to trigger a positive effect on the cognitive process such as increased memory span, recovers short and long term memory and helps improve both verbal and visual memory. It has no known side effects since it's made from all natural ingredients sourced from nature. It has Bacopa Monnieri extract which is a good antioxidant, Gingko Biloba extract-a popular brain enhancing herbs known to improve blood circulation and Vitamin B12 for production and regeneration of red blood cells and Vitamin B6 for serotonin production and helps the immune system. 

This is why it is important to nourish your brain the all-natural way with BrainMaster. This 100% natural brain supplement provides the vital natural nutrients that our brain needs to function normally and helps prevent or minimize forgetfulness. BrainMaster is FDA-approved and available directly from Whealth, Inc. with customer hotlines 524-6549, 354-2208 to 09 and 09474890262. It is currently sold at P600 per jar of 30 capsules. For additional product information, email info@brainmaster.com.ph or visit www.brainmaster.com.ph and www.facebook.com/BrainMasterSupplement.

“BrainMaster can be likened to brain vitamins. It jumpstarts the brain to enable it to work more efficiently. In layman's terms, BrainMaster works on increasing blood flow to the brain by oxygenating it,” says Albert M G Garcia, president and CEO of Whealth Inc., the group that originally brought you Psyllium fiber, MEGAFIBER, CranUTI and ABW.

This latest product from Whealth Inc. contains Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi), Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B12 and B6, which all combine to work towards memory recovery. Taking a capsule of BrainMaster daily, ideally before breakfast, will help ensure a continuous supply of all these nutrients that the brain needs to function normally, helping maintain mental wellness and alertness.

Bacopa Monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb used in India for centuries as a memory enhancer. It has antioxidant properties and acts as a brain tonic to enhance the brain’s neurotransmitters for memory development, learning and concentration.

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular memory enhancing herbs known to improve blood circulation in the brain. It also contains antioxidants that neutralize dangerous free radicals. Ginkgo Biloba is proven to improve memory and mental alertness.

Recent research on the benefits of Vitamin B12 has identified it as being helpful against brain shrinkage due to aging. Healthy older people were studied yearly to compare their Vitamin B12 levels with the amount of brain shrinkage they experienced. Researchers discovered that participants with higher levels of Vitamin B12 were six times less likely to have experienced shrinkage of the brain, as compared to other participants with lower Vitamin B12 levels.

Considered among the most important of all B-complex vitamins, Vitamin B12 is essential for the production and regeneration of red blood cells. It keeps the central nervous system functioning properly, improves concentration and memory balance, as well as relieves irritability. Vitamin B12 helps improve stamina, thus reducing fatigue and weakness.

Vitamin B6 is required for the production of serotonin and helps to maintain healthy immune system functions, protect the heart from cholesterol deposits, and prevent kidney stone formation. Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme for the central nervous system. It is used mainly in the body for the breakdown and absorption of amino acids.

To keep “senior moments” at bay, take BrainMaster and recover memory loss. BrainMaster, what a brilliant idea! 

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

MEGA CREATIONS PREMIUM SARDINES: EVERYDAY MEALS MADE SPECIAL

Mega Creations Premium Sardines in Spanish Style

We’ve probably been used to having good ‘ol sardines as part of our everyday on-the-go meals. Filipinos would often just throw in well-known aromatics such as onions and garlic into an opened can of sardines along with steaming rice for a quick meal.  But little do we know that these simple comfort meals of canned sardines could actually be made into something more special with just a few creativity and twists. 

Mega Creations Premium Sardines in Natural Oil

Mega Fishing Corporation, the company behind popular brand Mega Sardines, is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar and fish finders, coupled with the competitive advantage of the Catching to Canning process. Making consumers sure of its freshness and high quality standards. The MFC fishing fleet is instrumental in creating products of superior quality and value that starts with preservation of the fish. No wonder that Mega Sardines had always been the country’s top sardines brand.   And they continue to improve and develop their high quality sardines by introducing other variant to loyal consumers. 

The author with guest Chef Rosebud Benitez.

Purple Plum Fairy was recently invited to Mega Creations Premium Sardines launch cum on-site cooking challenge held at the Pisces Room culinary studio of the manila Diamond Hotel.  Renowned Chef Greg Villalon whipped delicious homemade dishes with a twist using simple kitchen ingredients and its flavorful twists with Mega Creations Premium Sardines as its main ingredient. Chef Greg made a potluck Moroccan casserole made of sweet potato, sardines and cumin that looked and tasted like Shepherd’s Pie (without the guilt!), an authentic Italian pasta and a healthy sandwich baon and easy-to-prepare snacks of Asian Style Sardine Sub Sandwich with hoisin sauce. It was the first time I’ve heard and tasted a recipe using Hoisin other than chicken that has really impressed me.

Mega Creations Premium Sardines My Everyday Creations host Chef Greg Villalon

“Mega Creations Premium Sardines offers unparalleled freshness and flavor that Filipinos will rave about,” enthuses Valerie Tan, brand manager for Mega Creations Premium Sardines in Natural Oil and its spicier counterpart, the mega Creations Premium Sardines in Spanish Style.  “Foodies can now enjoy richer flavors with a gourmet twist, and use these simple ingredients to create delightful meals they can share with loved ones and friends,” said Tan. 

Blogger Jay Valmonte whips a pesto dish with Roxanne of The Lifestyle Network while  the host looks on.

During the said launch, they held a cook-off between a blogger and someone from the media. Ms. Roxanne of ABS-CBN”s Lifestyle Channel was the media representative while food blogger Jay Valmonte gamely joined as the bloggers’ representative. Both made a simple pesto pasta dish with the mega Creations Premium Sardines as its main ingredient but they were allowed to do whatever kind of twist they wanted in order to make that dish “their own.” With fellow blogger and younger sister Jennifer Valmonte cheering for her Kuya Jay, along with other blogger friends, Jay’s extra cheesy sardines pesto pasta eventually got the judges’ nod. 

You too can learn how to turn everyday meals into something special with quick and easy to prepare dishes that your families will surely love, as Mega Premium Creations Sardines brings “Everyday Creations, an exciting new cooking show that teaches foodies how to whip up restaurant worthy meals in minutes. Hosted by Chef Greg Villalon, you’ll know how to make pesto pasta, fresh spring rolls, Greek pizzas, and a whole lot more—all using sardines as its secret ingredient.

“Fresh ingredients and a bit of love is the secret to every successful dish, “ said Chef Villalon. “With Mega Creations Premium Sardines, it has become so easy to whip up healthy yet delectable dishes that will surprise your family and friends.”

Here's a copy of the recipes that Chef Villalon had created during the said launch. Try it at home and serve sardines with a twist that your families will surely love! 

Catch Everyday Creations starting on April 5 at 6:30PM (it will be shown every Friday at 6:30Pm with replays on Sundays at 11:30am and Wednesday at 6:00PM) on The Lifestyle Network. You can also check out the My Everyday Creations page on Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/MyEverydayCreations for more unique and easy to make recipes. Follow them as well on Twitter at @megacreationsph.

For more information on Mega Creations Premium Sardines, please email Ms. Valerie Tan, Brand Manager of Mega Creations Premium Sardines at vtan@megasardines.com.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Bright Ideas for the invite.

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