Azalea Hotel and Residences Baguio City: Home Away From Home

 

Nestled on one of the uphill slopes of Baguio City, specifically in Leonard Loop, Azalea Residences is a welcome respite from the stress in the bustling Baguio metropolis. Purple Plum Fairy along with other blogger friends were lucky enough to have stayed at this posh hotel. Thanks to the invitation of Ms. Grace Bondad of Tree Top Adventure and top travel blogger, Melo Villareal. Prior to my visit, a friend has recommended the place simply because it offered a place to stay like a home away from home but at the same time it is also a place where one can commune with nature. At first glance, Azalea may come off as posh and luxurious, any interior design enthusiast would probably get awed and marvel at its elegant interiors and eclectic decor. But when you really think about it, you're only getting what you've paid for, at Azalea, you're just getting your money's worth. Overall, Azalea's interior is comely and inviting.

As we were welcomed into Azalea Residences, I quickly saw and understand why friends would rave about and highly recommend Azalea. Azalea Residences Baguio is picturesque—the space is adorned with flowers and lush greenery, and evokes a sense of calm. 

Experience the Extreme at Tree Top Adventure

Tucked within the lush forest of Camp John Hay, get your adrenaline rush ready and brace yourself for the ultimate extreme experience at Tree Top Adventure Baguio. Put yourself to the ultimate test with this self-guided, in-air obstacle course comprised of zip lines ranging slow to fast paced rides which will surely be a challenge created on suspended surfaces. Typically takes two to three hours to complete.

Purple Plum Fairy's a first timer here at Tree Top Adventure Baguio

This is the path going to Extreme Adventure Land!

Purple Plum Fairy enjoys the scenic view from the Tree Top Adventure bridge.

Hard Helmet and Harness are a must for riders.

TreeTop Adventure will take your love of nature to new heights on a dizzying course of zip lines and other high-flying challenges deftly woven into the natural forest behind the Camp John Hay. TreeTop Adventure traverses horizontally and soars up to 70 feet above the forest floor and features adventure rides ranging from slow ones to fast paced ones. 

G Stuff Products by Gina Lopez: Each Purchase Supports Livelihood and Empowers a Community

G Stuff by ABS-CBN Foundation executive director Ms. Gina Lopez has been around for sometime but it’s only recently that I got to try their products.   I see them at bazaars all the time but never got to check them out, really.   It’s very rare that I find organic products with a very affordable price tag so I got really excited when I had the chance to try them out during one of Ms. Gina's Health and Wellness Talks held at the posh Luna Gardens in Rockwell, Makati. 

For those who aren't familiar yet with this project, Gina Lopez puts a priority on initiatives that will assist and empower the millions of underprivileged Filipinos and micro and small entrepreneurs to level up and beat poverty. G Stuff under the tutelage of Gina commits to continue its private sector advocacy to support in helping communities to build a country of enterprising Filipinos and give them livelihood.

I'm the type of person who gets discouraged every time I see a crowd of people checking out products that I liked, because I hate having to compete for the sales associate's attention. At the time of my visit, thankfully, I was able to get hold of G Stuff products I've been wanting to learn about and try.  Sir Wilbur Hernandez who works for G Stuff gave me a copy of their products catalogue with their corresponding prices, and I happily browsed through it and learned many good things about their products. 

Aside from being a very successful brand, G Stuff is also a social enterprise.  Instead of maximizing profits, the company chooses to optimize them by developing world-class organic farms and other enterprises – bringing jobs to farmers all over the Philippines.  To date, G Stuff has citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, chocolates, and even virgin coconut oil farms from Bulacan in the north down to Davao in the south – all of which have enabled the company to boost the production of their raw materials while at the same time creating thriving communities for the farmers.

Actually, there were so many products to choose from and try but I opted to get these stuff simply because, well, they're so damn good! 

This Coco Dolce bar is made from 65 percent dark chocolate. Sourced from Mindanao, it's a bar made from fine blend of cocoa beans and pure organic coconut sugar. As a diabetic, this chocolate bar is low in glycemic index, made from organic cocont sugar and virgin coconut oil. This Coco Dolce uses traditional conching method. It's delicious gourmet chocolate yet divinely healthy. 

I love starchy foods and admitedly, used to be a fan of junk foods until I got sick. But after eatng a bag of G Stuff Taro Chips, it made me realize that  it's still possible to eati something healthy yet it could also tastes great. 

I could also say the same thing for this Oyster mushroom chicharon. It tastes justlike the real thing, it also had that crunch and crisp we've always loved in the usual pork rind hicharon, only this time, it's a healthier version sans the fat! 

These lovely roses were handwoven and made with TLC. They are perfect gifts for your balikbayan friends or foreign friends. Seeing how the were made with intricate designs,  you'll surely be proud on being a Filipino. 

During her Health and Wellness workshop, Gina Lopez reiterated that her belief in life is, "If it works, it works and therefore must be shared with anyone." Her advocacy had always been to support programs that help alleviate poverty in the country. "I couldn't ask for donations for the foundation all the time. So instead, I thought of helping people to help themselves. It's like teaching a man to fish than just give him fish," says Lopez. In fact, the first thing Lopez did was allocate a budget to provide trainings and seminars for the people in order assist them. She knows there are many micro entrepreneurs in the rural areas that still need financial aid and additional support. Through its programs, Lopez addresses the concern from different industries such as agriculture, tourism, retail, manufacturing, etc. 

Every time you buy or make any G Stuff product, we can expect that we do not only get a good quality product, but we also help the livelihood and empower a community. 

G Stuff products are available at the Powerplant Mall Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, and Trinoma. Visit their website at www.gstuff.ph, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gstuffph and Instagram at @gstuffph. Call 09175864530, 5005623, 5005587, 5005604, 4161828.

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

Amway addresses a woman’s aging needs with Nutrilite Hair, Skin and Nails Complex

Press release:

Aging is a sensitive issue. It is never the same for women as it is for men, as women undergo much more radical physiological changes as they age. As women get older, physiological milestones such as menstruation, motherhood and menopause create something akin to a hormonal roller coaster.  These, combined with environmental factors such as pollution, UV rays from the sun and even stress result in dry skin, brittle and breakable hair, and soft, weak nails over the years.  Amway, through NUTRILITETM addresses this problem with a supplement that specifically addresses these problems— NutriliteTM Hair, Skin and Nails Complex.    

A ground breaking female supplement, NutriliteTM Hair, Skin and Nails Complex contains Biotin—the water soluble B vitamin, that helps alleviate nail brittleness, promote healthy hair and improve skin conditions. It also contains Acerola Cherry, which contains a high concentration of vitamin C, essential for the growth of skin and hair. NutriliteTM Hair, Skin and Nails Complex also aids in the female body’s ability to absorb micro nutrients which diminishes as a woman grows older.  This diminished ability adversely affects the rapidly dividing cells that are found in skin, hair and nails.  With Hair, Skin and Nails complex from NUTRILITETM , the effects of significant physiologically altering milestones in a woman’s life are mitigated.     

With a healhty lifestyle and Nutrilite’s Hair Skin and Nails, looking and feeling great through all the distinct physiological states a woman lives through has become very achievable.NUTRILITETM is exclusively distributed by Amway Philippines.

*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Vitamins and Dietary Supplements, World, GBN, Retail Value RSP, % breakdown, 2014

 

Scripps Networks Interactive - Home Garden TV (HGTV), Asian Food Channel (AFC), Food Network and Travel May schedule

 

MAY 2016 SYNOPSIS

 

FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE IN ASIA

Press release:

 

KOREAN FOOD MADE SIMPLE (SEASON 1)

Premieres: 4 May 2016, every Wednesday at 9.00pm (SG), 8.00pm (JKT/TH)

This series is a fascinating introduction to simple, delicious, and healthy Korean food that are quick and easy to cook. Executive chef and food writer Judy Jootravels back to South Korea and sets off on an incredible culinary journey to visit some of the amazing people and places inspiring her cooking and shares her passion for authentic traditional and modern Korean dishes. Every episode caps off with Judy heading back to the kitchen and cooking up a delicious variety of Korean-inspired recipes and flavours.

 

FOLLOW DONAL TO EUROPE

Premieres: 16 May 2016, every Monday at 9.00pm (SG), 8.00pm (JKT/TH)

Follow Donal as he heads to Europe and travels across 10 countries to meet local food bloggers, who will take him on a tour to showcase the best of European cuisine. From the bustles of Budapest, to the fascinating Turkish city of Istanbul, Donal will eat, cook, photograph and blog his way around these special destinations.

 

JUNK FOOD FLIP (SEASON 2)

Premieres: 18 May 2016, every Wednesday at 10.00pm (SG), 9.00pm (JKT/TH)

Junk Food Flip follows Bobby Deen and Nikki Dinki as they travel the country looking for the most delicious, guilty pleasures that they can flip into lighter dishes that are still indulgent and taste great. When they find the right dish Nikki and Bobby challenge the owners of the restaurant to a cook off. If people think their version is as delicious as the original, then it goes on the menu! If not? The owners get bragging rights and cash. Don’t miss this culinary showdown, where two dishes go head-to-head and a hungry crowd of locals determines which version they enjoy the most.

 

KEVIN DUNDON’S BACK TO BASICS

Premieres: 2 May 2016, every Monday at 8.00pm (SG), 7.00pm (JKT/TH)

Kevin Dundon invites viewers to join him at the beautiful countryside of Ireland to help home chefs master key culinary skills. Kevin demonstrates easy and straightforward cooking while offering step-by-step methods, hints, tips and tricks of the trade. Each half-hour episode of Kevin Dundon’s Back to Basics covers a key ingredient, type of food or fundamental technique. From poaching eggs and mastering a soufflé to whipping up a quick supper or a big Sunday lunch for friends and family.

 

 

MAY 2016 SYNOPSIS

 

FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE IN ASIA

 

CAKE WARS

Premieres: 1 May, Saturdays at 6.00pm (SG)

5.00pm (JKT/BKK)

Four baking masters will compete and showcase their culinary creations on Food Network’s Cake Wars. Hosted by Jonathan Bennett, the four expert bakers go head to head in a series of heated challenges, creating the most extraordinary cakes in hopes of winning the judges’ hearts! Who will emerge victorious and take home the grand prize of $10,000?

 

NEW SEASONS

 

PIZZA MASTERS (SEASON 2)

Premieres: 2 May, Mondays at 9.00pm (SG)

8.00pm (JKT/BKK)

Cousins, best friends and business partners, Sal Basille and Francis Garcia own some of New York’s best pizza shops. Constantly on the look out for good food, Sal and Francis go on an adventure in their quest to find the greatest food spots in America. The duo visits the best eateries and restaurants across America because they know good pizza and good food when they find it.

 

RESTAURANT IMPOSSIBLE (SEASON 12)

Premieres: 11 May, Wednesday at 9.00pm (SG)

8.00pm (JKT/BKK)

Turning around a failing restaurant is a daunting challenge under the best of circumstances. Attempting to do it in just two days with only $10,000 may be impossible, but Chef Robert Irvine is ready to take on the challenge! 

 

UNIQUE SWEETS (SEASON 6)

Premieres: 7 May, Saturdays at 1.00pm (SG)

12.00pm (JKT/BKK)

Unique Sweets is an insider's peek into innovative eateries across America that are creating today’s most unique and exciting desserts. These sweet spots range from restaurants with revolutionary pastry chefs to bakeries and candy shops producing one-of-a-kind confections. Unique Sweets will take you to the most gooey, crunchiest and sweetest treats in America!

 

 

 

MAY 2016 SYNOPSIS

 

HGTV ASIA ORIGINAL

 

HOUSE HUNTERS ASIA

Beginning 22 May, Sundays at 6.00pm

We follow home seekers across Asia as they navigate the sometimes rough waters of buying real estate. From high-rise condominiums to humble abodes, they'll check out all kinds of architectural styles and cut through the red tape to find their new home. In the end, which house will they choose? 

 

NEW SERIES

 

ISLAND LIFE

Beginning 1 May,  Sundays at 8.00pm

Most people only fantasize about living on an island, but we'll prove that living on the island is possible for anyone. Tropical dreamers will be shown island properties that fit into any budget, from ultra-affordable to totally outrageous. We'll follow everyday families is search of their own slice of paradise, and prove that fantasy can be reality.

  

 

NEW SEASON

 

FIXER UPPER (SEASON 3)

Beginning 8 May, Sundays at 9.00pm 

Texas design and remodeling pros Chip and Joanna Gaines are helping homebuyers to look past the superficial, convincing them to buy the worst house on the best block and then make it beautiful. They will take the wrong house in the right neighborhood, and then design, construct and transform the diamond in the rough into the home of their clients’ dreams. 

 

REHAB ADDICT (SEASON 6)

Beginning 4 May, Wednesdays at 8.00pm

Nicole Curtis is saving historic houses, one broken-down fireplace at a time. Working in Detroit and Minneapolis, Nicole transforms ramshackle homes from the wrecking balls by restoring them to their original stunning glory. Whether it's managing her rugged crew or wrangling city officials, this single mom is determined to return condemned properties to their places as the pride of their neighborhoods. 

 

HOUSE HUNTERS (SEASON 101)

Beginning 23 May, Mondays to Fridays at 11.00pm

We follow home seekers across America as they search for their perfect house. They'll weigh the pros and cons of three different properties before deciding which one is meant for them. Will they pick the move-in ready home with a higher price tag or the one in their budget that needs a little tender loving care? 

 

HOUSE HUNTERS INTERNATIONAL 

SEASON 72:  Beginning 9 May, Mondays to Fridays at 10.00pm

SEASON 73: Beginning 17 May, Mondays to Fridays at 10.00pm

From Denmark to the Dominican Republic, we follow home seekers around the world as they navigate the sometimes rough waters of buying real estate in other countries. From Roman columns to Spanish arches, they’ll check out all kinds of architectural styles and cut through the red tape to find their new international home! 

 

 

MAY SPECIALS

 

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL: SUPERMOMS 

8 May, Sunday from 12.00pm 

Applaud and appreciate the love, care and support your mom or someone you look up to with HGTV’s Mother’s Day Special: Supermoms! Join Chip and Jo as they find and create a perfect forever home for home buyers across America in Fixer Upper, then team up with supermom Nicole Curtis in Rehab Addict as she saves historic houses, one broken-down fireplace at a time. Flip or Flop duo Tarek and Chrstina El Moussa transform and flip a diamond in the rough in an attempt to turn a profit on their investments. Former 90210 star and single mom of three, Jennie Garth, starts over. Together with contractor Scott, she’s stripping a Hollywood Hills home to the studs and building it back up to her ultimate dream house in The Jennie Garth Project. Then sit back and enjoy sweet in-home retreats just for you and your mom in Mom Caves. 

 

 

 

 

MAY 2016 SYNOPSIS

 

FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE IN ASIA

 

AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL

Premieres: 11 May 2016, Wednesdays at 9.30pm(SG)

8.30pm(JKT/BKK)

Soar across America and join travelers as they explore awe-inspiring and internationally renowned natural wonders. America's vast and iconic landscapes host climates and terrains that are diverse. Experience spectacular views from 3,000 feet above California's storied Yosemite Valley as hang gliders launch themselves from Glacier Point and ride the bioluminescent Caribbean waves of Puerto Rico's Mosquito Bay as marine biologists examine the rare ecosystem that gives birth to this natural phenomenon. Viewers will see America's national parks like never before through first-person exploration, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime happenings.

 

TACO TRIP (SEASON 2)

Premieres: 6 May 2016, Fridays at 9.30pm(SG)

8.30pm(JKT/BKK)

For Chef Aaron Sanchez, Mexican food is his love. And tacos? Well, they’re his favorite! Taco Trip takes Aaron across the U.S. exploring the Latin side of every city, encountering the chefs, families, and locals who have helped define each city’s culinary landscape. Aaron dives headfirst into his journey and turns every trip into an unexpected exploration of the most delicious tacos in town. 

 

 

MYSTERIES AT THE CASTLE (SEASON 3)

Premieres: 10 May 2016, Tuesdays at 8.40pm(SG)

7.40pm(JKT/BKK)

Enter the gates of the world's most impressive castles, manor houses and mansions where secrets wait to be revealed. See these amazing structures in all their glory and hear the remarkable, mysterious and bizarre tales tied to the rich and powerful who once resided there. From a German castle where a real life Dr. Frankenstein tried to breathe life into the dead, to the magnificent Highclere Castle, once the home of an English Lord who was cursed after unearthing King Tut's tomb, these stories will captivate and amaze.

 

ULTIMATE BRAAI MASTER (SEASON 4)

Premieres: 13 May 2016, Fridays at 10.20pm(SG)

9.20pm(JKT/BKK)

Hosted by Justin Bonello, 15 teams will compete across a variety of grueling outdoor cooking challenges throughout an extreme 52-day, 8,000km road trip. The winning team will collect a prize of 500,000 South African rand, a brand new SUV and the title of South Africa's Ultimate Braai Master. Tension arises between the teams as they need to quickly adapt to the rigours of sourcing their own ingredients and to the pressures of competition cooking. After each day, teams have to face the elimination challenge where the heat really begins to rise. Ultimate Braai Masterproves that if you can't stand the heat of the grill, you should put down the tongs.

 

 

NEW SERIES

HAWAII LIFE

Premieres: 30 May 2016, Mondays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6.00pm(SG)

5.00pm(JKT/BKK) 

Most people dream of living in Hawaii, but the brokers at Hawaii Life can make that dream a reality for everyone. From Oahu and Kauai to Maui and The Big Island, there are properties to suit any lifestyle from the ultra-affordable to the totally outrageous.

 

CARIBBEAN LIFE 

Premieres: 31 May 2016, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.00pm(SG)

5.00pm(JKT/BKK)

We follow families as they leave mainland America behind and head to the Caribbean region to live on island time. Join their search for an affordable slice of heaven, touring gorgeous homes on white sandy beaches. You don't have to be rich to live in paradise!