Christmas Party for Cochlear Implanted Children Sponsored by Med-El Philippines + HearLife Foundation Soft Launch

Med-El (Medical Electronics) Philippines sponsored the annual festive Christmas party for cochlear-implanted children and their families hosted by T.A.L.K. (Total Aural-Oral Lessons for Kids) Learning Center and Hear Me Talk. Cochlear implant students from St. Francis School VSA Arts Philippines, and Welfare for the Hearing Impaired Children (WFTHIC) were treated to an afternoon of fun, games, raffle and special performances held at the National College of Public Administration and Government (NCPAG Assembly Hall) in University of the Philippines, Diliman last December 18, 2016. 

The Christmas party featured a number of dance and music items from children who benefitted from cochlear implants. Several participants showed how the cochlear technology helped them to lead a rewarding life. 

Ms. Maribel Mueller, Country Manager of Med-El Philippines graced the said annual Christmas activity who expressed her gratitude as Med-El Philippines celebrates its 20 years in the country. Ms. Mueller also thanked everyone for all the collaborative efforts in support of the cochlear implantation in the country and for bringing joy to the cochlear implanted children this holiday season.

Here are some of the production numbers presented during the Christmas party by students of T.A.L.K Learning Center from Tugatog, Malabon, St. Francis School VSA Arts Philippines Quezon City, the Med-El Philippines staff as well as selected parents and their children with cochlear implants. 

Save Money Shopping with Your Groupon Coupon

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

I have a confession to make: I'm guilty over online shopping especially when I'd see a really good online deal--it is something that I really, really go for because seldom do you ever come across an unbelievably good deal, sometimes if you're lucky enough, items are being sold at a steal price! Of course, as someone who has to budget all my personal and family expenses, I'd have to make sure I'd be able to secure paying all my other obligations prior to my shopping. What is it about online shopping that I truly enjoy? Well, apart from its convenience, like I said, I go crazy over discounted items which makes online shopping an awesome experience. The best online shopping website for me is Groupon where they create an online experience that makes visitors fall in love with the products they offer. I, for one, take pleasure when I visit Groupon site because my shopping experience are guided and clearly encouraged to add products to my shopping cart. 

eGetinnz the newest accommodation rental booking site!

A new accommodation booking site hits the web and offers more than its counterparts.

Get Closer to the World
TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE
TRAVEL AND BE AT HOME

With travel being amongst the top industries in the world it’s no wonder that there are many services popping up left and right. eGetinnz joins the fray but with a unique take, not only offering travel booking and vacation rental but being an all in one portal for your every travel desire.

There are accommodations that can suit your needs in almost any place of your choosing. Be it by a beach, the outdoors, on a waterfront, in the city or in the country, eGetinnz gives you affordable options to stay in.

The best way to immerse yourself in any place you travel to, is to live amongst the local folks. What better way than to stay in a local home.

Vacation rentals are cost effective allowing you to pay for only a fraction of the cost you would have spent if you stayed at a hotel. You won’t have to miss those creature comforts when you’re traveling.

eGetinnz also provides you a guide of recommended places from attractions to dining options. Discover what the city offers with our suggestions.

Visit eGetinnz at https://www.egetinnz.com to start your journey. Create an account as a guest or host and navigate through their site with ease. Be assured of verified reservations, unlimited access to your rentals and privacy through their protected payment gateways.

For the latest updates, check out their official social media accounts:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/egetinnz
Twitter: http://twitter.com/egetinnz
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/egetinnz/

Ways to make Love to Last

Sometimes I ask myself, what does it take for love to last? It's only lately that I've realized that love doesn't thrive on words and actions alone. Sometimes, mere presence--yes, just being there for the one you love--could mean more than words can ever say. Sadly, we realize such things a little too late sometimes. 

So, how then, do we make love last? One, Be present. Be there for your loved one. Make him feel special because you chose to be with him than be somewhere else. Two, Follow up with words. Yes, while it is true that actions speak louder than words, it's nice to hear every now and then that you are being loved and treasured. Then, comes the action. Hold his/her hand. 👫 Kiss him/her. 😘 Give him/her a hug. 💑 Wink at him/her playfully. 😉

Do all that makes him or her feel extra special. 💮

But most of all, Love unconditionally. Give selflessly of yourself--no ifs and buts--expect nothing in return. 

The following poem is written for the special guy in my life. I wish you would be able to see my worth one day. I wish you could see how much you mean to me. Rest assured, there's no place else I'd want to be but right beside your arms. 

❤❤❤To You❤❤❤

I realized I love you

not when you were dressed

in your Sunday best

but instead when you wore

that old wrinkly white tee

you refuse to throw away

i realized i love you

not when you were freshly shaved

and wide awake

but instead when you hadn't

groomed yourself in days

and mumbled your words

as you rubbed sleep from your eyes

i realized i love you

not when you ate carefully

as others were around

but instead when you dropped

crumbs onto your legs and

had food stuck to your chin

i realized i love you

in those real moments

that made you

simply YOU.

Make your Holiday Shopping Easy with Groupon!

Last minute Christmas shopping is still possible sans the hassle.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine. #ad #spon

Most people wait until the last minute to finish up or even start their Christmas shopping. Knowing what to shop and where to shop will help save your precious time and money in the last few weeks of the Christmas shopping season. Last minute shopping most likely means lots of crowds, empty store shelves and heavy traffic. If you're guilty about last minute Christmas shopping and you haven't completed yet your Christmas list, there are a few ways to shop without going broke and with none of all the holiday hassle. Yes, it is possible. How? Read on...

Gone are the days when you'd have to travel to purchase items you'd want to have. You don't need to go through the hellish traffic during the holiday rush because you can practically get everything and anything with just a click of your computer's mouse. And get this, the prices unbelievably gives off huge discounts too! Have you ever heard of Groupon? If you're a first time user, by simply signing up, you'll get a special code which gives you special discounts upon checking out.

Shopwise Season’s Selections Showcases Holiday Great-Buys

Cold cuts and cheese with wine

Press release:

You’ll find yourself shopping a lot these coming months. Whether it be for gifting or groceries, you can bet that a trip to your local hypermarket is in the to-do list. Why not get some great deals this season of indulgence? Shopwise is offering their Season’s Selections of special gift ideas and holiday great-buys.

For those holiday parties you’ll be hosting or the pot luck dinners you’re going to attend, Shopwise has a promo of buy 1 kilo, take 500 grams with their meats such as Aussie Beef Kaldereta and Aussie Frozen Lamb Chop. If it’s a quick fix you need, get the Chicken Corner Noche Buena Feast that comes with friend chicken, dinner rolls, leche flan, and Coke, for your family get together; or the Cold Cuts and Cheese Platter with Wine Maker’s Reserve Merlot for a fancy dinner party. 

Merlot wine

Shopwise's famous chicken in a bucket with leche flan and Coke bottle to share

Shopwise is your best-buddy this season. Early shopping will help you avoid the Christmas rush and will give you irresistible promos and great deals. Check out Shopwise’s health and beauty selections for great buys on gift suggestions.

Get a Radiant Skin this Holiday Season

HyC150 Holiday Special Tote Bag

Press release:

Filipinos are known for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve lavishly, with relatives and friends coming over for the merrymaking. During these kinds of reunion, people are sure to notice who has become even more blooming and beautiful, inside and out. This holiday season, be camera-ready and face everyone with a glowing aura and a healthy body.

To achieve this, get enough rest, eat well and exercise. Aside from that, take health supplements that can aid you in achieving that youthful beauty, just in time for the holidays. Fine Japan Co. Ltd. has the perfect solution for you! HyC 150 is a supplemental drink that contains a combination of hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol. 

Hyaluron is a gel-like substance that acts as the body’s moisturizer. It lubricates the joints and tissues so you will feel no stiffness and pain when moving. It keeps the skin hydrated, and makes the hair strong and silky at the same time.

Collagen, on the other hand, provides structure and holds the whole body together. Though the body naturally produces collagen, we lose it as we age, resulting to saggy skin. To compensate for the lack of collagen, HyC 150 can provide the much needed amount of collagen for body tissue repair.

The third ingredient that makes this drink powerful is ubiquinol. This ingredient boosts the body’s energy and protects the body from environmental toxins by strengthening the immune system. It also prevents hair loss.

But that is not all as HyC 150 is fortified with vitamin C, biotin, elastin and pearl coix. Be protected from several types of cancer with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that aids in making the immune system strong. Elastin, a protein found in the body’s connective tissue, helps in maintaining skin springiness and elasticity, while Biotin makes hair shiny and scalp healthy. Meanwhile, pearl coix can make the skin fairer and supple.

Make the home Christmas-ready with Taiwan Excellence products

Christmas is fast approaching. With only 20 days to go before the said red-letter day, parties, gatherings, family reunions and celebrations will be everywhere. As moms, we’re sure to be hosting them left and right as try to be on top or head each special occasion. So it’s always important to make sure that we rely on quality products and appliances that will help us to do our role in the kitchen properly. 

When planning of what to splurge on this coming holiday season, a home investment is always a good option. Get a practical home upgrade, in time for the back-to-back family gatherings and parties with friends with Taiwan Excellence products. There is nothing like a thoughtful gift to yourself than making your home life a little bit more comfortable and stylish.

Prepare your home to be Christmas-ready with the following Taiwan’s best brands that bear the Taiwan Excellence seal. Assuring superior quality, these products can give the best deals for the ultimate holiday home shopping.  

Upgrade the bathroom storage

Keeping the bathroom comfortable is essential during the festive gatherings. Solve the clutter and maximize the space using Caesar’s Push-Open bath cabinet that will surely delight homemakers with its perfect balance of quality, design, and functionality. Offering a wide storage space, this solid and classy bathroom fixture has deep drawers. Automatically open the drawer by simply pressing any part of its panel. Its patented slide balancer, on the other hand, will smoothly extend the drawer with any vibration.

Caesar's Push Open Bath cabinet

Enteng Kabisote 10 and The Abangers Opens on November 30!

It is common knowledge that Vic Sotto and his Dabarkads have been consistent blockbusters at the tills during Christmas  season. Sotto, whose film Enteng Kabisote and The Abangers was reportedly ‘booted out’ along with big production outfits like Regal Films and Star Cinema by the new MMFF juries  to give way to ‘indie’ films. But as they say, you can’t put a good man down. Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote and The Abangers will be shown a little earlier than what had been the usual tradition during the holiday season. For a change, Enteng Kabisote and The Abangers will be shown starting November 30, 2016. 

Enteng Kabisote and the Abangers stars Paolo Ballesteros, Wally Bayola and Vic Sotto

“Although I admit, we were somewhat disappointed that we won’t have an entry (film entry) for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this year, I’d like to think it was a blessing in disguise,” says veteran comedian, movie producer and TV host, Vic Sotto when asked about his film which failed to make the cut among this year’s movie entries during the bloggers conference held recently at Anabel’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato hosted by OctoArts Films.

Vic Sotto airs his side on the issue of his film not making it to the MMFF entries for this year.

How to get Beep Cards for PWD (Persons with Disabilities) and Senior Citizens

I’ve long been offered to get my very own Beep Card so that it would be more convenient for me to ride the MRT. With the long queue each day going south bound for the MRT, it would really be easier if I’d get myself my very own Beep Card, it saves time and money. But then, since I’m a PWD (persons with disability) myself, I’ve decided to get myself the white Beep Card with my name on it rather than the usual blue colored Beep Card. So how to acquire the white colored Beep Card which is only issued to either PWD or Senior Citizens? What makes the white beep card different from the ordinary blue colored Beep Card?

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) encourages PWDs and Senior Citizens to apply for the special, discounted beep cards which can be used at LRT Line 1,2, and 3 (MRT) and at the Ayala BGC Bus Stations. PWDs and Senior Citizens as we all know are granted a 20-percent fare discount.

Domex keeps our family safe from diseases by being 100% germ free

No one wants to clean the toilet. Heck, no one even wants to talk about cleaning the toilet. But since we find ourselves on the porcelain throne several times a day, it’s important that your potty is as clean as possible. But did you guys know that unsanitary toilets cause disease among children? Yes folks. There is a big difference between disinfecting and cleaning our toilets really well. This truth is just one of the many things I have learned after attending Domex celebration of the World Toilet Day, a United Nations Days of observance of the global sanitation crisis.

Although it’s very rarely discussed, toilet sanitation is really important. As I listened to the germ experts, Domex, it was discussed that it’s the number one cause of disease among children.  Committed to raising hygiene standards, Domex has participated in the One Million Clean Toilets Project where they pledge to educate 1 million people toilet sanitation every year. Now on their third year, this is their 3 million to date.

Better sleep, better mornings, better tomorrows with Uratex

Press release: 

Waking up to a great start in the morning may be one of the most wonderful feeling that most people in this fast-paced life rarely get. It is usually brought about by a really good break from stress the night before, or, an excitement for whatever they look forward to for the day ahead. Most importantly, great mornings come from having a good and sound sleep throughout the night. And having good quality sleep on regular days also brings great benefits to everyone’s disposition for the day ahead, especially with their performance at school or at work.

Imagine a mother waking up from good quality sleep. Having slept so well through the night, she will have more energy to prepare the whole family’s breakfast before sending them off for the day. Her husband will also be in a more positive disposition waking and will always be ready to take on another whole day’s worth of challenges at work. Kids on the other hand, could perform better at school because they will also have more energy to participate in class and take in all the lessons from all the lectures they will encounter through the day.

Uratex, the country’s leading manufacturer of quality foam and mattresses, is spearheading a campaign called “Ganda ng Gising,” which embodies the benefits of good sleep to inspire Filipinos in taking the value of good sleep so they could wake up happier and ready for the day and the world. Being the Sleep Specialists, their innovative sleep solutions bring out not only the pleasure in sleep, but also the Science in providing good quality sleep brought by the technologies they incorporate in every product in their line-up.

Shang Style Spectrum 2016 Presents Magical Fashion Moments

Shangri-La Plaza mall brought every childhood’s fashion fantasy into reality with its Magical Fashion Moments themed fashion show held recently at the Grand Main Atrium. The upscale mall featured its top international and local fashion brands as it showcased the holiday collection for the anticipated Shang Style Spectrum series as part of its 25^th silver anniversary celebration.

MATSTONE® Horizontal Slow Juicer: A wonder machine for Diabetics

Daily pricking is something that diabetics like me would have to learn to live by.

For years, I didn't know I had diabetes. That's because seldom do I have my physical check up. And it's something that I regret even up to this day because had I known I was diabetic early on, then maybe my diabetic retinopathy wouldn't have reached its advanced stage. But I'm still grateful that I still have my vision although not as clearly as it used to be. And sadly, diabetic retinopathy is irreversible. I just need to make sure my blood sugar's maintained and keeping them low means my eyesight will be okay. 

Over the years, diabetes has become one of the top causes of death in the Philippines according World Health Organization’s 2012 statistical profile of the country. The International Diabetes Federation also notes that the Philippines has become one of the world’s emerging diabetes hotspots, ranking as the top 15 in the world for diabetes prevalence where 4 million people are diagnosed with the diseases, and possibly a large unknown number of those who are unaware that they have diabetes. While diabetes can be passed down through heredity, factors like having an unhealthy lifestyle and becoming overweight or obese may contribute in developing diabetes, especially those who are in their middle age or older.

Diabetes could be kept at bay, if people would just lead on to a better and a healthier lifestyle, like Lumen Tamayo who was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes after she gave birth to her second child. It wasn’t easy to take in at first, but she turned around all of these ill-feelings about her diabetes and used it as a motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle. As she started taking regular exercise and preparing more healthy meals for herself, she gained a more positive disposition in dealing with her diabetes. And knowing that stress could shoot up her sugar level, she got into short meditations to ease off the tension. Here watch her testimonial video on how she had managed to change her lifestyle as well as eating habits:

NOVUHAIR HEAD BAGS AGORA AWARD

Press release:

Nutramedica, Inc. President and CEO Sheila Mae Velilla bagged the Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Medium Scale at the recently concluded 37^th Agora Awards.  Nutramedica is a homegrown 100% wholly-owned Filipino enterprise that manufactures and distributes Novuhair, an acclaimed line of products that addresses hair loss.

Held last October 26 at PICC, CCP Complex, the Agora Awards recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional marketing skills and strategies.  It is touted to be the premier marketing awards body in the country and sets the high standards of excellence in the industry.

CEO and President Ms. Shiela Mae Velilla

Moving in an industry dominated by giant multinational pharmaceutical companies, Nutramedica’s tenacious rise from its humble beginnings as a microenterprise is one for the books.  Thanks largely to its creativity and innovation, it has become a major player with a well-established niche in the industry.

Founded in 2004 by Velilla, Nutramedica develops beauty and healthcare products out of natural and mostly indigenous ingredients.  It is one of the pioneers in the commercialization of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and gained wide success with its slogan “healthiest oil on earth,” which led to its acquisition by a big company. 

Things to remember when planning your dream vacation in the Philippines

What is your idea of a dream island vacation? Far from the madding crowd in some sequestered place with nature for company?  Conquering peaks, riding the sea or plumbing its depths? Or is it simply lazily munching on local delicacies while sitting at a hammock? Whatever your island vacation dream is, the Philippines can make it all come true. 

With 7,107 islands, it won’t be easy to choose which island to visit on your first trip to the Philippines. One thing I can guarantee you, you’ll find that there are no wrong answers because each island had something different to offer and more. Explore the country’s three main islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and I bet that your first trip to any island in the Philippines won’t be your last. 

Hike our mountains and reach the top!

I always rely on online travel agencies like Traveloka because it allows you to check, choose and compare both flight and hotel rates.  The first step on planning your vacation is finding the perfect place to stay. Deciding on your getaway home is not always the easiest choice but it should be within your travel budget. Based on experience, the rates are very affordable too. You don’t even have to worry about getting scammed online, because these are trusted and legit sites. It’s pretty much an advantage if you book using these legit online travel agencies because they’ve got apps which you can download for free and get updates on any booking or flight changes. It’s very convenient, easy to use and saves you time and effort. 

Swarovski® Charm Collection at FamilyMart

I have something to confess. I have a new addiction. I find them too cute and too hard to resist collecting. Have you guys seen the Swarovski® Charm Collection from the popular Japanese convenience store chain, FamilyMart? If not, you'd better hurry up and check them before they ran out. They have just launched its exclusive Swarovski® Charm Collection featuring icons from Japan, New York, the Philippines and other top destinations Pinoys favor.

FamilyMart always caters to the needs of its customers by offering high-quality products, delicious value for money meals, and friendly service. By giving customers this chance to collect delicately designed Swarovski® crystal-encrusted charms, FamilyMart just makes every store experience even more rewarding.

Shang captures moments of happiness for 25th anniversary celebration

Shangri-La Plaza continues celebrating its 25^th anniversary by creating special Shang moments with all mall guests. This time, through a free photo studio session with photographer Patrick Uy, you and your loved ones can have your very own #SilverPortraitsofHappiness.

 Enjoy the free photo session on October 29, November 5 and November 12 from 1:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Level 3 of the Main Wing. Capture your Shang moment with friends, family or even solo and watch out for the official portraits to be uploaded on Shangri-La Plaza’s official Facebook page. You will also be able to view behind the scenes shots on Shang’s Instagram account (@shangrilaplazaofficial). 

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines celebrates three decades of helping communities

I support companies that does corporate social responsibility programs. It’s actually nice to see when companies are aligning their values with a cause so they can market their products while helping those in need. So upon the invitation of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, I had agreed right away to attend a simple press conference in celebration of Coca-Cola's 30 years of making a difference in various communities. 

We had always enjoyed drinking its refreshing ice-cold Coke in bottles and cans but little do we know about their projects and programs in helping various communities as they rebuild their lives or improve their living conditions. In some parts of the nation where water is scarce, in communities where women are struggling to improve their household income, as well as in certain schools where malnutrition needs to be addressed, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. are there to lend a hand. 

Banana Peel makes one experience summer all year round!

If you happen to know me personally, you’d know that I’m a flip flop kind of girl. Yes, I’m the kind who goes around anywhere with her flip flops on (Of course, unless I’m going to an event that will require me to wear something more decent and formal). Banana Peel is one of my favourite flip flops ever since I had tested and bought a pair of my own. I love it because of its overall quality, comfort, durability, traction, style and versatility. It scored top marks for comfort, support, and performance too. More importantly, it passed the ultimate test of flip flop: I never took it off no matter what I was doing, whether it was brisk walking, doing errands, malling or simply just hanging around. When each day’s flip testing was over and I got to wear any type of footwear, I reached for my Banana Peel sandals, particularly my Crewe in Aqua Blue every time. How did they compare to others? 

True, it is the heaviest of the supportive flips I tested, but it makes up for that with its smooth footbed, non-chaffing straps, and superior arch support. If you are sticking to pure water sports, Banana Peel is fine. It's also practically comfortable with far more support and hence all-day possibility. It is an awesome, versatile flip for almost any occasion.

Banana Peel recently unveiled their latest collections of Sutton and Cayenne with the addition of Pickles and Crewe sandals. Banana Peel’s Crewe, Sutton and their Pickles collection is an all around excellent sandals that scores high in every metric tested and offers a great overall value. They’re very lightweight and comfortable. It's stable and versatile. It's durable yet stylish too.

Travel Tax payment now easy and hassle free

Press release: 

Standing in line is something that nobody likes, which is why TIEZA, the government arm tasked with the collection and allocation of travel taxes that once had to be settled either at a TIEZA office or at a dedicated queue at the airport, has now rolled out the Travel Tax Online Payment System.  No more falling in line at the airport just to pay your travel taxes, now all you need is to follow this simple procedure:

1.      Go to the TIEZA website at TIEZA.gov.ph

2.      From the TIEZA home page click on “click here” at the Philippine Travel Tax Payment System screen:

OR

If the Philippine Travel Tax Payment System is not the screen displayed on the TIEZA home page, click The Travel Tax Tab, and Select “Pay Travel Tax”

3.    Click on “Don’t have an account? Click Here” (assuming you are a first timer).

Registration:

4.      Fill out the member registration form.