Free Kids' Summer Cultural Immersion Program from Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

Mommies, you might want to give your kids something productive to do this summer and maximize their vacation, right? Why don't you try involving thrm into Korean Cultural Center's Kids' Summer Cultural Immersion. Are your kids a K-Pop fan? If yes, this could surely make them happy. Take advantage of this FREE summer treat for kids from Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. Yes, you got that right, this program is for FREE! But slots are limited to the first 50 registrants only! The Kids' Summer Cultural Immersion program will be held from May 5-6, 2014 from 2-4pm. There will be lots in store for the kids: storytelling, games, K-pop dances, basic Korean language classes, Korean animation screening among many other exciting activities for the kids. It's basically a two-day program geared towards experiencing Korea's colorful culture through various activities. It is open for kids ages 5-9 years old with only one guardian per kid allowed. Registration starts on May 2, Friday at 12 NN. 

For more information, visit Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines on Facebook or log on to http://phil.korean-culture.org. 

Marriott Hotel Manila Launches Thematic Lifestyle Coffee Breaks

Press Release: Marriott Hotel Manila has launched four new innovative thematic coffee breaks designed to pull event planners and clients away from formal business routines by offering a variety of informal settings to spark new ideas. From delegates preparing famous Filipino street food themselves, stimulating desserts in artistic packaging, and energizing cocktails served in takeaway bottles, the breaks are part of the Marriott Lifestyle Coffee Breaks aimed to suit delegates’ needs and stimulate creativity for brainstorming.

Each of the breaks can be set up within Marriott Manila’s versatile meeting spaces, from the pillar-less Manilaballroom and six multi-function rooms to the airy spaces of The Garden Rooms, The Den and The Hub. Themes include: California Fit with a healthy spread of varieties from granola bars to fruit cups, to fresh yogurt and veggie wraps for those who want to eat more, gain less, and reenergize; China Town with a myriad of Chinese delicacies from fresh dimsum and dumplings, to roast pork belly with egg noodles, as well as fresh fruit skewers available to whet your appetite; Deli Break with freshly tossed salads, filling sandwiches, and batches of warm chocolate crinkles; and Metro Pinoy with traditional rice cakes and local fruits like macopa and chico, to the well-known street foods such as fish balls and chicharon (fried pork rinds) that can immerse the guests into the Filipino way of eating. Marriott Manila is also adept in catering to other special dietary needs that guests may require.

Inquire and collaborate with Marriott Manila’s Event Specialists and call (632) 988 9999 to design custom packages with any of these Lifestyle Coffee Breaks for a unique meeting experience.

 

Contours: Fast, Safe and Effective Way to Get Rid of Stubborn Fats

A famous actress once quipped to a talk show host that she considered herself to be "thin/fat", a term used to describe a woman who looks thin in clothes, but actually has stubborn fat and cellulite. The actress got a huge laugh. But for millions of women, there's nothing funny about the dimpled fat on their thighs, buttocks, the jiggly flabby "bat wings", and the huge tummies that looked like jellies.  Contours' introduces the new FDA approved device/machine that offers a surgery-free body contouring treatment that can effectively and safely reduce unsightly fat deposits in both men and women.Contours' Laserfit is a dream procedure for anyone who is squeamish about surgery. Contours' Laserfit is a holistic approach o weight loss and body contouring. It is non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that involves the combination of full body cold laser exposure to melt fat, 10 minute power circuit workouts to easily burn fats and proper nutritional recommendations. The short, easy treatment can treat multiple areas like the abdomen, tummy, flanks and thighs. And it is so convenient that you can immediately go back to your daily routines right after. 

Dr. Claudine Roura explains how the Zerona machine (Laserfit) cold laser works.

Contours' Laserfit is based on a technological breakthrough using cold laser exposure called Zerona that releases fats from the body for three days. Daily 10 minute workouts are recommended to burn fat, trim down and lose weight. Following the treatment, the body's natural processes clear away the disrupted fat cells. The best part is you'll feel nothing at all, it's virtually painless! 

After only Four Sessions of Zerona Laserfit (before and after)

In the past, the only way to achieve dramatic improvement in body silhouette was by removing local fat deposits through painful liposuction or other more invasive surgical procedures. Those procedures, however, have major drawbacks and risks including infection, excessive pain, and bruising. "With Contours' Laserfit, you will begin to see improvement after the second session, you will notice your clothes getting lose, this is a clear indicator of fat loss," says Dr. Claudine S. Roura, President and Managing Director of Contours. 

Contours' Laserfit is the best cellulite zapper there is. But Contours also offers Ultimate Fat Blaster for those stubborn diet-resistant and exercise resistant areas, Body Tightening which is great for stretchmarks and post weight loss skin laxity. And of course, the Cellulite Buster to smoothen out those dimples. "I believe in offering my patients options, I am not against surgery but with Contours' Laserfit, I'm able to give my clients a choice: the choice between simple and fast laser exposure or an invasive procedure," shares Dr. Roura. The best part? Contours does have a guaranteed loss program or your money back! 

They even have a specific diet in case you'd want to level up your program.

For more information, log on to their website www.contours.com.ph or email: info@contours.com.ph

Contours Advance Face and Body Sculpting Institute has branches in the following areas: 

SM City North Edsa 5th Level, The Block (921-6798)

SM Megamall 5th level Building A (635-4984)

SM Paranaque 3rd Level (0906-5509873)

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

Good Housekeeping and 3M D-I-Y Invite

When you need some wall-hanging done at home, you think your only option is to make holes with a nail or a drill. It’s expensive, it ruins the paintjob, and you need someone else to do it for you.

Here’s the good news: Good Housekeeping Magazine, in cooperation with 3M Philippines, invites you to Get Hooked on DIY, a series of home decorating and organization workshops that will help you decorate and organize your home space using a simple and effective wall-hanging tool.  

As an all-around home and décor expert, Good Housekeeping will show moms, dads, and even college dormers and singles how to tidy up and beautify their homes, condos, or dorm rooms using Command™ Damage-Free Hanging Solutions from 3M. These hooks are very easy to install, and equally easy to remove without leaving a trace.

So on April 13, Saturday, head on over to SM Megamall Activity Center at the Lower Ground Floor, Mega A Building and have fun learning about the various ways you can use Command™ Hooks and products. Workshop booths open at 10AM until 8PM. Program proper begins at 3PM.

Watch out for the other legs of GET HOOKED ON DIY! Like Good Housekeeping on Facebook at http://facebook.com/goodhousekeeping.ph and visit http://www.command.com.ph for more details.

ROCKIN’ SUMMER AT CARTOON NETWORK TOONFEST

Press Release:  Cartoon Network throws the first ever toon festival in Manila for kids on May 3 at BGC

 

This vacay, go cray-cray as Cartoon Network, the number one kids’ channel in the Philippines, ushers in the summer fun with TOONFEST! It’s the biggest summer toon festival to ever hit Manila, a FREE-admission event open to kids of all ages happening at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City on Saturday, May 3. Gates open at 4 PM.

Expect an outdoor festival of fun at Toonfest where kids can shake it up with their favorite Cartoon Network stars from Adventure Time, Regular Show, Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10: Omniverse, Steven Universe and many more.

 

Packed with CN-goodness, sing-along to live musical acts performing your favorite CN theme songs. Experience a different kind of buzz with some exciting games and fun activity booths. Plus, Toonfesters will also get a chance to take home some totally awesome prizes.

 

But the ultimate-treat: an exclusive outdoor screening of CN’s newest show, Uncle Grandpa, which debuts on the channel on May 5, 6PM during Funday Mondays.

 

Don’t miss out on the FUN! For more details on Cartoon Network Toonfest 2014, exclusive downloadables, online games and other news, visit www.cartoonnetworkasia.com and like Cartoon Network Asia’s Facebook page on Facebook.com/asia.cartoonnetwork.

Miss Philippines Earth 2014 Pre-Pageant Activities Kicks off at SM

Gorgeous ladies invaded the SM Supermarket of SM Megamall and the Mega A Event Center recently to the delight of the shoppers. As part of their pre-pageant activities, the delegates of the Miss Philippines Earth gathered together and had fun with the shoppers. They sang from a videoke with participants from the crowd and even danced together with the Customer Service staff of SM Supermarket. The said event kicks off the "beauty for a cause" campaign of Miss Philippines Earth. Combining beauty, brains, grace and the heart for the environment--sets Miss Philippines Earth apart from the other beauty pageants worldwide. 

SM Supermarket, Savemore Market, SM Hypermarkets served as venues for the lovely candidates to spread environmental awareness among shoppers as they held SM's popular re-usable bags. The said campaign known as "Join the M.O.B. (MyOwnBag)" encourages shoppers to reuse their shopping bags. The Miss Philippines Earth 2014 delegates also served as ambassadresses of the SM Greenbag, the very first reusable bag in the Philippines as they urge the public to choose to reuse. No matter how small effort it maybe, when all our efforts are combined, we could all do our part in making this world a better and hopefully greener place to live in. 

Fun games, exciting trivia and presentation of the ladies were held at the Mega Events Center. There were a special production number from the girls where the audience had a glimpse of the Miss Philippines Earth 2014 candidates. Some even had their own bets this early as to who will most likely bring home the crown come the coronation night. 

Watch out soon as these delegates will be taking on SM's Cooking Challenge at SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket Fairview, and will be joining the 5-day sale to further promote going green at SM Supermarket San Lazaro and SM Hypermarket Bicutan on May 2. The culminating activity will be the grand coronation night which will be held on May 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

90's Iconic Dance Groups Reunite for Neuropathy Awareness

Showing one's dancing prowess is one of the many ways to show one's self expression. Unfortunately, for some valid reasons such as aging and lifestyle affects us which lead to discomforts such as numbness, tingling sensations and worse, body pains. Pain in the hand, arms and legs caused by nerve damage is called Neuropathy which can make one feel numb, thereby making it difficult to function well. According to studies made, many Filipinos are afflicted with neuropathy as early as mid-20's but they do not receive proper treatment. 

Merck Philippines recently launched Neurobion--this medicine can help prevent neuropathy's symptoms so that you can move freely again and enjoy life more. Neurobion reunited 90's favorite dancing icons such as Sexbombs, Universal Motion Dancers and Maneuvers in one afternoon of fun, exciting dance concert which truly delighted the crowd at the Trinoma Activity Center. 

Jopay Paguia lead the SexBomb dancers in a medley of their dance hits while actor Wowie De Guzman together with James Salas made the audience reminisce their Universal Motion Dancers (UMD) days by dancing to the beat of 90's most popular songs. Meanwhile, Gary Valenciano's favorite back up dancers, Maneuvers lead by Joshua Zamora showed off their dancing skills also with a medley of danceable bits that their group popularized. All these dancers know and understand the importance of being able to move freely without the threat of pain. 

Neuropathy includes pangangawit, pamamanhid and that tusok-tusok in the hands, arms and legs. Such body discomfort may make you feel helpless, out of control and miserable. But Neurobion is clinically proven safe and effective as it has the formulation that acts at the very root of these problems. Each tablet of Neurobion can help maintain healthy nerves, promote nerve function and reduce pain in the arms, legs and hands caused by Neuropathy. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. 

Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2014

Loyal Nicksters along with their families and friends all trooped to the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last April first to witness the 27th Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2014! It ain't no April Fools' Day for all attendees as they all enjoyed the special advance preview party. 

Freebies, perks of being Nicksters, a rare chance to meet and greet their favorite Nick characters live like Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spongebob Squarepants were there to grace the said program. There were also games and amazing raffle prizes--everything for the Very Important Nicksters who were present during the preview party. 

Although the Philippines' bet in the Favorite Asian Act category failed to win, Fil-Australian Anne Curtis will always be special to the hearts of the Filipinos and that alone can make her say that she's a winner. It was G.E.M. From China who brought home the said award. Here are the partial list of winners:

Favorite Asian Act:

G.E.M (China)

Favorite TV Show: Sam and Cat

Favorite Cartoon: Spongebob Squarepants

Favorite TV Actor: Ross Lynch (Austin and Ally)

Favorite TV Actress:  Ariana Grande (Sam and Cat)

Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Favorite Movie Actor: Adam Sandler (Grown Ups 2)

Favorite Movie Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire)

Favorite Animated Movie: Frozen

Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie: Miranda Cosgrove (Despicable Me 2)

Favorite Make Buttkicker: Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man 3)

Favorite Male Group: One Direction

Favorite Song: Story of My Life (One Direction)

During the show, illusionist and magician David Blaine wowed the crowd with his show-stopping headless act. People were totally awed by his performance! As if that wasn't enough, Nicksters also we the wild over the rodeo slime ride that Nicksters had never seen before. Host Mark Wahlberg even had the slimiest of slime before the show ended. 

For the complete set of winners please log on to www.nick-asia.com 

Philips Brings Hope to Yolanda Victims to Start Anew

Giant electronic company,  Philips Electronics and Lighting Inc. in the Philippines is set to make entrepreneur and philantrophist Illac Diaz realized as the very first meaningful innovation towards helping the victims of Yolanda in the Visayas. With over 120 years of innovation heritage, Philips is focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovations.

The awarding ceremony was held last 25th March 2014 brought with the finalists of the ‘Meaningful Innovations’ program and its select panel of experts – World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board Mr. Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag and Director for National Center for Health Promotion Dr. Ivanhoe Escartin, and ICANSERVE Foundation Founding President Ms. Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala – who announced the grand winner side-by-side with Philips local executives. From 1,057 entries received, streamlined to the top five entries, Philips and its panel of experts have found a winning idea in Illac Diaz’s Solar Night Light Project, based on its impact, innovativeness, relevance, and feasibility.

“We are glad that thousands of Filipinos showed support for their countrymen by sharing ideas on how innovation can make a difference in the lives of those affected by typhoon Yolanda,” shared Philips Philippines Country Manager Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno. When asked about the process to determine the final winning innovation among the shortlisted ideas, Fabia said Philips with WWF-Philippines, 

DOH, and ICANSERVE Foundation, went through a series of consultations and fine-tuning with the contributors to determine the winning idea. “All top 5 finalists had great ideas and we wished to be able to implement them all. We had to carefully look into the technical feasibility of each single project with the panelists, technical experts, coupled with the results from the public votes. 

Illac Diaz and his team had the most feasible idea where Philips expertise can help MyShelter Foundation (MSF) to improve the concept design and together, we can deploy the first range of night lights. It is a project that can revolutionize access to lighting in areas where there are limited or no access to lighting at all. It is more than a product concept – it is a sustainable way of bringing light to off-grid areas in the Philippines.”

Philips and Diaz gave the members of the press a closer look at this innovation, sharing how having lights is critical in helping families in the Visayas on their road to recovery. “Each solar bottle light saves 200 kilos of carbon emissions by preventing burning of fossil fuels that is commonly used by power plants to generate electricity,” shared Diaz. “MSF’s Liter of Light project is a two-step, DIY solar lighting project that makes use of recycled plastic soda bottles and a simple circuit board built from readily available parts. MSF will work with Philips on technical improvements to benefit locally displaced Filipino families.”

Philips and Diaz said during the discussion that priority areas for deploying the solar night lights will be Tacloban and Ilo-Ilo where bunkhouses were built by the government to serve as temporary homes to more than 13,000 displaced families. Both parties shared that they are looking forward to lighting up disaster-hit areas with this new powerful partnership. “We intend to inspire an army of people willing to bring light to affected communities, and Philips and MyShelter Foundation hope to serve as catalysts for this movement,” shared Fabia.

As the ‘Meaningful Innovations’ campaign enters its delivery phase, Philips will be implementing the winning idea within 2014 by working in close coordination with the team of Diaz. The process of testing and piloting the Solar Night Light prototype will start immediately and this prototype is expected to be sampled and appraised for the next six months.

“Imagine how big the impact of night lights is in these bunkhouses they now consider their homes,” said Fabia. “We’re not just lighting up homes – we’re providing hope to more families for starting anew.”

For more information on the “Innovation that Matters to You” program in the Philippines, please visit www.meaningfulinnovation.asia/philippines or www.facebook.com/PhilipsPhilippines.