Food Network's TV Schedule this month of July is worth watching

Watching food related television shows may not exactly be your idea of fun. But the truth is that Food Network has a lot of shows that are actually great. While I was doing an article for my blog the other day, I found myself procrastinating with hours of these morsels. For one, they’re not your ordinary old-fashioned instructional cooking shows. (Although I had to admit I loved Mario Batali during his Molto Mario days and he’s the perfect examply for such kind of dude.) Watching these guys do wonders in their cool kitchen makes me want to befriend them so that I can actually hang out in their kitchen while they cook. These awesome TV shows are the kind that brings you in and keep you rapt for an hour without you realizing a minute has passed. Unearth these TV show treasures on the Food Network and forget all your troubles away. Isn’t that what cooking shows are for?

The following shows technically (except for the ones that were aired starting in June) hasn’t aired yet, but I’m pretty sure they’re just going to be great. So watch out for these shows!

Skin House Beauty and Laser Clinic's Revlite Facial Laser Review

Just like many young ladies out there (Okay, I know I’m not that young anymore, but that’s beside the point), I’m not quite contented with my looks. I have the usual grudges—I have uneven skin complexion with a few red itchy blotches right here and there, not to mention, I was told I had a skin condition called Rosacea—you get the gist. 

Many times during a girly chat, I have mentioned my desire to undergo treatment procedures which would help me achieve supple and younger looking skin. There’s also this desire in me to get fairer skin, I guess it’s pretty normal for most Filipinas who are known to be ‘morena.’ So when I got invited to review the latest innovation on skin care via Revlite Facial Laser Treatment at Skin House Beauty and Laser Clinic, I immediately agreed.

MASFLEX 25TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY:Celebrating 25 years of Innovation for the Love of Cooking + launches Chef Nancy Reyes Lumen as its brand ambassadress

Adobo Queen and Chef Nancy Reyes Lumen is Masflex brand ambassador

Purple Plum Fairy’s food blog, Security Blanket was invited recently to cover the 25^th Silver Anniversary of MASFLEX held at the Le Pavillion in Pasay City. MASFLEX brand is one of the leading cookware brands in the country since 1989. Back in the 80’s there were limited options for Filipinos for cookware, houseware, and kitchenware products.  Either they were forced to buy very expensive global brands which majority couldn’t afford; or the other option was to deal with the lower-quality locally-made recycled scrap material cookware that posed a health risk. 

Taken during the cooking demo and anniversary celebration

MASFLEX was derived from the vision to find market solutions to meet the demands of a Filipino homemaker. MAS was taken from the ‘Mass Market’ as they were trying to reach out and help the consumers in this product category. FLEX on the other hand, stemmed from the word ‘flexible,’ which was what the brand was trying to achieve, flexibility in terms of providing innovative solutions that were both affordable and of good quality for the Philippine market. 

Taiwan Excellence brings forth product exhibit mall event

We all loved excellent quality products that do not burn holes in our pockets. For affordable products, there are only a few brands that I trust. As a consumer, of course, I always look for something that gives true value for my money. It’s very important for me to make sure that each time I purchase an item, it has to be something that's really worth it, simply because the money I'm going to buy it with was out of my own sweat, blood and tears. Speaking of top quality products, Taiwan Excellence recently showcased Taiwan’s awesome array of products at the recently concluded Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone mall event, held from June 3 to 5, 2016 at the SM Megamall Events Center.

Fashion show of TAITRA’s highlighted products

Happy Home Solutions: Sharp Plasmacluster Products that helps protect our families

Ms. Rosalyn, an executive from Sharp Philippines

Perhaps I should thank my parents because we do not have any history of asthma in our genes. I could imagine the difficulties that a household had to face when one member (or worse, everyone in the family) had asthma. With all the terrible allergies to dust, paint and other stuff we’re all exposed to, they trigger the allergens resulting to runny nose, continuous sneezing and swollen red eyes.

As mommies, it is our main duty to make sure that our households are free off allergens to assure us that our family will be safe and healthy. It’s a good thing that there are now available innovative products that helps us with that duty of protecting our family. Sharp, a renowned and trusted brand by many Filipinos introduces Plasmacluster Ion Technology, a unique air purifying solution meant to reduce asthma symptoms and other diseases caused by poor air inside the home. Would you believe that aside from making sure that the air we breath are free off harmful radicals, Plasmacluster now has a mosquito catcher feature? That's dual purpose and indeed very innovative, making our lives easier to protect our families better.

Let Gravity Band Blog Conference: Creating Music with Passion

This photo is taken from the blktnkcreatives.files.wordpress.com

Binded by their passion for music, Let Gravity band members Sam Santos, Ram Chaves, Donne Santos, Rigil Borromeo and Alden Acosta were probably destined to play music together. Coming from different set of bands, their paths crossed through serendipity and have found each other some two to three years ago. And the rest as they say is history.

For those who haven't heard from them yet, Let Gravity is an all-Filipino pop-rock band with a touch of jazz. 

Alden Acosta, Ram Chaves, Rigil Borromeo and Donne Santos of Let Gravity band

The band may not exactly ring a bell now, but remember their names and their humble beginnings. Pretty soon, I won’t be surprised if they would become household names. Now, let’s get to know the guys that made up Let Gravity Band:

ASUS Phlippines Lifestyle Series: Fashion Success with Victor Basa

We were recently invited to attend the first part of the three-workshop series of ASUS Philippines held at the Century City Mall with renowned blogger and model Victor Basa who shared his personal experiences on being a lifestyle blogger, model, a celebrity and television host. What Mr. Basa had shared was truly helpful for a blogger like me. I wish that someday I could also have the chance to travel as much as Mr. Basa had. 

Victor Basa shares his life experiences

"Be Bold and fashionable." -Victor Basa

Mr. Harvey Factora of ASUS Philppines welcomes the bloggers

Headed by Mr. Antoneil Harvey Factora, the PR guy and Mr. Alvin Estacio, Technical PR at ASUS Philippines, the 3-part series were organized as the brand continuously improve their popularity with innovative awesome products and amazing specs yet consistently keeping their price range affordable.

Eiga Sai 2016 Presents Japanese Literature to the Silver Screen

Eiga Sai fans have something to be happy about this 2016 as they are in for yet another treat as this year marks the 60th year of the Philippines-Japan friendship and the Japan Foundation, Manila’s 20th anniversary!

Just as it had always been, there will be twelve films which were carefully curated for this year’s line up. Don't fail to watch award-winning film adaptations as well as some of the best fiction and non-fiction novels written by the most prolific Japanese writers, produced between the year 2011 to 2015.

And as if those news aren't good enough, film aficionados will also be delighted to note that the officers of The Japan Foundation Manila in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has signed an agreement that will make Eiga Sai and Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition has now officially collaborated as allied festivals.

Cevio Art Haus in Kapitolyo Pasig: Unleash the hidden artist within you + create your masterpiece

Cevio Art Haus is a haven for budding artists

The concept of this innovative hybrid between art studio and wine bar is simple: walk in with nothing but an open mind and a ready imagination, and leave with a personal masterpiece and a newfound appreciation for your own creativity.

A friend of mine whose boyfriend of seven years have just broken up with her at the time wanted to do something to kick her out of that rut feeling. She said she wanted to get herself together but she didn’t know how to start. I had advised her to come and visit Cevio Art Haus in Kapitolyo, Pasig. Cevio Art is owned by art enthusiast/entrepreneur Cecilio Tobillo and his wife Teng who happens to be a good friend of mine. 

Lucida DS Glutathione Soap and Capsules for Effective and Safe Skin Whitening

Lucida-DS Glutathione Soap

A lot of people have asked me – is glutathione really effective in skin lightening? Which is faster and better to use, glutathione soap or taking it orally? Let’s take a good look at it together, particularly the brand Lucida-DS glutathione soap and capsules.

Lucida DS is one of the country’s leading manufacturer of FDA approved over the counter Glutathione, said it is high time people learn more, apart from its whitening side effects, about the overall health benefits of Glutathione. 

Normal oral dose is 800 milligrams a capsule, 500 milligrams of which is solid Glutathione. The rest is made up of Vitamin C (100mg), Alpha Euhoric Acid (100mg), and Rose Seeds (100mg). “The dosage are Food Drug and Administration regulated standards, and to consider Lucida DS as a food supplement,” said Lucida DS founder/owner and CEO Miss Belle Galindez, who is a nurse by profession.  

SM Foundation helps micro and small entrepreneurs with skills training and livelihood programs

They say it’s always best to teach a man to fish rather than give him fish. This way, he’d be able to learn how to fend for himself. SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) realizes its importance in order to help man to sustain a living. So aside from providing assistance and educational scholarships they also give training and opportunities on livelihood programs. SM Foundation 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.  SM Foundation commits to continue its advocacy movement to support the underprivileged but deserving Filipinos and helping communities to build a country of enterprising Pinoys and inclusive prosperity. 

Blogger Marian Torres, Ms. Cristina Angeles, SMFI Assistant Vice Prsident and my good friend and Business Mirror supplements editor Ms. Leony Garcia

SM Foundation has had programs to support micro and small enterprises to help alleviate poverty. SM Foundation allocates a budget to provide trainings and assist the people in certain communities. Recently, they were able to cover and help four barangays in Nasugbu Batangas namely Calayo, Bulihan, Looc and Papaya. 

Get to know Darren Espanto up close and personal + Win Darren Espanto’s Signed Album “Be With Me” by Purple Plum Fairy

Darren Espanto

When I had a stint as an entertainment editor at a local showbiz online portal last year, that’s the only time I got to know Darren Espanto. Prior to that, I had to admit I knew nothing about the young lad, simply because I don’t watch TV that much as I didn’t had the time. I got to know him after I was invited to his press conference prior to his birthday concert held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. That’s how I’ve come to know that he’s a product of The Voice Kids Philippines. At first, I couldn’t understand all the adulation for Darren, to be completely honest about it. I mean, sure he’s cute. But there were many other equally talented young guys and even better looking than him. So why the hell was he getting as much attention just like most K-Pop singers do? 

Darren Espanto gamely answered the questions from the media

SM Foundation Scholars Graduate with high hopes for a brighter future

There's nothing quite like putting one's unique stamp on a graduation ceremony — whether that means you have graduated with highest distinctions or you’ve made your entire family or clan proud because you’ve given them something to be proud and happy about.

Recently, several SM Foundation Scholars celebrated their achievements via a special graduation ceremony held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The SM Foundation scholars were all eager to share their stories of hurdles and triumphs that somehow shaped their characters on their individual educational journeys. Purple Plum Fairy was fortunate enough to be able to interview some of them.

Sm Foundation Scholars Marvic Denosta and Diana Cuibillas 

Goldilocks Celebrates 50th Anniversary with a Birthday Caravan at Enchanted Kingdom

As a brand that most Filipinos have trusted for 59 years and counting, Goldilocks celebrates their 50 Golden Years of being the country’s number one bakeshop. Goldilocks started in May 15, 1966. Since then, it's been a huge part of every Filipinos home and has been a family tradition which has passed on for generations of customers. 

Aqua Mineral's Salt Room Launch

With the massive amount of beauty products available, finding your HG or holy grail, can be daunting,  doubly so if you happen to have really sensitive skin like mine.  How do you navigate through all the listed ingredients to find out which ones won’t make your skin itch or worse, gives you big bumpy break outs?

Thankfully, there’s an all-natural Aqua Minerals brand that have dedicated themselves to developing products made for those with sensitive skin. If your skin is very choosy, I suggest you start with these. Although the products are a bit on the upscale, it’s worth every cent. While most products are safe since they come from natural and organic stuff, still it’s best to consult your dermatologist to pinpoint what you are allergic to. I swear by Aqua Minerals because I’ve been using these for two years. 

 I love Aqua Minerals’ Salt Body Scrub! They make my skin velvety smooth! I’ve been having problems with my rough and dry hands, but upon using their Springtime Body Butter which I like layering with their body scrub of the same scent, my hands are as soft and smooth as that of a newborn, no kidding!