What I have learned from “Apprentice Asia Season 1” Winner Jonathan Yabut during Sun Life Financial’s Live Brighter Session

Time really kind of passed me by. I had never really thought much about my future. Don’t get me wrong, I do care about my future, but I guess I was the kind who liked to live taking one day at a time. But there really comes a point in time where you’d have some sort of an epiphany. And in my case, it has happened last week when I attended Sun Life Philippines’ #LiveBrighter session with one of the most sought-after inspirational speakers, Apprentice Asia Season 1 winner Mr. Jonathan Yabut. 

Purple Plum Fairy with blogger friends Marian Torres and Karen Lopez.

Sun Life Financial Adviser Recruitment Manager Fin Bernardo welcomes guests

Mr. Jonathan Yabut, Apprentice Asia Season 1 Grand Winner

The #LiveBrighter session was held at the artsy A Space Gallery in Legazpi Street, Makati City. To be perfectly honest, I had no idea who Mr. Yabut was, prior to his talk. But the minute the young man opened his mouth, I knew instantly he’s no ordinary guy. My focused got fixed on him as Mr. Yabut shared his journey towards success. He says that he’s just like everyone else—except that he took all the stumbles, obstacles and occasional curve balls that come his way as challenges for him to do his best, rather than hindrances. Mr. Yabut shared lessons from his experiences on The Apprentice Asia as well as bits and pieces of wisdom from his book called “From Grit to Great.”

Participants listen intently to the Q & A

MATTEO GUIDICELLI AND SUN LIFE LAUNCH VLOG ON INVESTING

Press release:

Actor Matteo Guidicelli, in cooperation with Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI), will be launching a series of vlogs (Video Blogs), which aims to teach Filipinos about how investing can help make their #LifeGoals come true. 

Dubbed “Make It Mutual”, the vlogs will tackle topics relevant to personal finance, such as growing one’s money, beating inflation and investing regularly. To make it easy for the viewer to relate these to real life, the modules shall be demonstrated in themes familiar to them, like fashion and fitness, among others. 

All videos will be shared via social media to make it really accessible. 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead another financial literacy campaign for SLAMCI. It’s definitely relevant and timely,” Mateo said. “I myself have life goals i’d like to pursue, and i’m happy to share that ever since i ‘made it mutual’ with SLAMCI, I’ve been well on my way to achieving all those goals. It would be great if more Filipinos can experience the same”.

Merck initiates campaign on International Thyroid Awareness week 2007

In time for the International Thyroid Awareness Week [ITAW] 2017, Merck, the leading science and healthcare innovation company has worked hand in hand with the Philippine Thyroid Association [PTA], Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism [PSEDM], and the Iodine Global Network [IGN], to raise consciousness and create more public awareness on thyroid diseases.

Thyroid disorders are some of the most common diseases worldwide. In our country, the case is about one in every 11 adults that suffers from goiter or other thyroid problems. It was also discovered that thyroid diseases are most common in women than in men. They are also at risk of hypothyroidism by 10 times. Studies also show that women who recently gave birth and those who are in the menopausal stage are more vulnerable.

You can have your thyroid checked and learn more about thyroid when you come and visit the International Thyroid Awareness Week 2017 on May 27, 2017, Saturday, at the Robinson’s Novaliches Trade Hall! There will be Free Thyroid screening, lectures and doctors consultaion plus other exciting perks in store for you. Best of all, they’re all absolutely FREE and it’s open to the public from 2:00 to 6:00PM!

A Delicate Balance: A Window to the Batanes Way of Life

The popular images of Batanes are those of breathtaking verdant landscapes and blue waters, alternately agitated and calm. These northernmost Philippine islands have long been part of a traveler’s must-go-and-experience list.  But Batanes is more than just a weekend getaway.

“A Delicate Balance: Batanes Food, Ecology and Community” reveals why. A project of The Museo ng Kaalamang Katutubo (MusKKat), this handsome book explores how food, ecology, nature, and tradition, have shaped the Ivatan way of life in the last 4,000 years.  It also explains too that the Ivatan and the Itbayat, people of the Batanes, knew well how to husband resources through aeons, without depleting or otherwise compromising nature.  

Coco Fresh Tea and Juice celebrates 20th year with a treat

Panda Milk Tea

Since the start of the milk tea craze here in Manila, I’ve always been fond of trying out milk tea places, be it the mall type ones or the hole-in-the-wall ones. However, only a few really stand out with their unique flavors or their exceptionally well done usual flavors. The tea competition is actually tough. 

Panda Milk Tea

My first encounter with Coco Fresh Tea and Juice was when they opened their branch in Gateway Mall, Cubao. The Taiwan-based franchise has come to the Philippine shore and it has so many branches across the metropolis. They’re offering different kinds of bubble teas.

If you’ll see a long queue near the escalator at the corner of Coco Fresh Tea and Juice at the Gateway mall, don’t be surprised. People don’t really mind the long lines just to get their fix of Coco Fresh Tea and Juice. 

Strawberrry Tea

Edmark Philippines launches Troika, Cafe Power Black and N4s products

Edmark Philippines cheers as they welcome three new products: Troika Coffee, Cafe  Power Black and N4s

Filipino coffee drinkers will have another reason to rejoice. Edmark Philippines, the leading multi-level marketing industry with International Standard Operation (ISO) certified products recently launched two new variants of coffee and a sugar alternative drop. Edmark proudly brings the all-new Troika, Café Power Black and N4s [pronounced as Enforce]. 

Edmark International CEO Mr. Yap Wai Yen

Troika, is a premium gourmet coffee, an instant coffee made with ginseng, tongkat ali and ganoderma extracts. As we all know, ginseng has been used for thousands of years to further improve the overall health of human being. Ancient Chinese herbal traditions also prescribe that ginseng is effective for enlightening the mind and increasing wisdom. Ginseng coffee such as Troika promotes vitality and good health by overcoming general fatigue and increasing strength. Others also believed it is a pretty good aphrodisiac for the treatment of impotence. Another interesting note for this coffee is the presence of the active ingredient on ginseng called ginsenoside which has the power to sharpen the mind and memory as it helps increase concentration.  Coffee, of course is also known with boosting anti-oxidants that helps prevents certain cancers. 

The Gardenia Pocket Sandwich: Pocketfull of Yummy Goodness

Yes, these Gardenia Pocket Sandwiches are Kyle's baon to guitar classes this summer

From the Vietnamese banh mi, the Indian vada pav and the Portuguese francesinha to the good old BLT and even ice-cream … the sheer choice of sandwich ingredients is an endless joy. Sandwich never fails to be the most convenient baon in school and perfect snack--you can bring it anywhere and enjoy it anytime. That's why it's such a delight to stumble upon Gardenia's Pocket Sandwich. 

Gardenia Pocket Sandwich actually makes sense for a bread company to come up with an interesting sandwich cut (Yes, dear, sans the brown part that we usually don’t eat!). No fancy bread shape, no color, but interesting taste can be found in the good old fashioned White Bread filling on a clear plastic pack. I won't delve too far into what the sandwich actually look here (you've got to buy the sandwich, you see?) but it is worth noting that it is so convenient plus it actually tastes good. 

Discover the Gift of a Lasting Love with a Francis Libiran Engagement and Wedding Rings

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So you've finally found the woman of your dreams! Congratulations! You know she's the One and you wanted to spend the rest of your life with her. But of course, you wanted to put a ring on her finger. It's time to buy an engagement ring--and there are so many factors to consider and a flurry of engagement ring available, you guys will soon be into prime wedding planning. While choosing the right engagement ring is fretted and mulled over for months, its life partner, the wedding band can be something of an afterthought. But as a piece of jewelry, you know it's a piece you'll wear for the rest of your life, it pays to spend a bit of time finding the perfect rings for you and your fiancee. 

Well, if you ask my opinion, you'll never go wrong with a Francis Libiran. Celebrate your promise of forever with world-renowned designer Francis Libiran’s new wedding and engagement ring collection – Forever Francis Libiran.

Francis Libiran at work

Free More Space + Storage made Simple with Loc & Stor 24/7

Lots of stuff, too little space: this is, unfortunately, a problem that almost every household comes up against at some point. There’s nowhere to store spices in the kitchen; shampoo bottles are falling off the shelves in the bathroom, your kids' old toys (that have some wonderful memories as well) and your wardrobe creaks from the weight of clothing you’ve stuffed in there. But for every problem there is always a solution — you just need to think creatively. Of course, you don't want your house to look cluttered, right? What if you can't truly just dispose all the items that you no longer need at home? That's where Loc & Stor 24/7 comes in, folks! 

In my desperate desire to seek a Zen-style minimalist home, I've stumbled upon Loc & Stor 24/7, a world-class self-secure storage facility in Pasig that offers affordable yet secure services in such convenient location. Oh, and yes, it's professionally operated patterned from those storage facilities found abroad. They build/convert/subdivide large buildings for the purpose of self-storage using steel partitions which provides as units ranging from 1.5 square meter lockers that can accommodate eight balikbayan boxes, to 18 square meter jumbo-sized units that can accommodate contents of half a 40-foot sea container. 

You've also got nothing to worry as they take your items in their climate-controlled top-quality facility. Finding a trustworthy storage unit is kind of like finding a trustworthy landlord, except you only really get to deal with the storage company once or twice when you sign up and move in. After that, you hopefully won't talk to them at all. You pay your rent, visit your storage unit when you need to get something or put something in, and that's all there is to it. However, there are some warning signs you should keep an eye out for to make sure your relationship with your storage company is a good one. With Loc&Stor 24/7, you're pretty much assured that you're in good hands. 

Fucidin® is Mom's Ally in the Fight Against Wound Infection

A wound is a break in the skin caused by a laceration (cut), abrasion (scrape), puncture, blister or incision (opening made during surgery or a medical procedure). Some wounds need stitches or glue to close them.

Caring for your child's wound is important to promote healing, avoid infection and minimise scarring. There are a number of things you can do to help your child's wound heal and prevent infection.

Different types of wounds require different dressing products and care. Your doctor or nurse will provide specific instructions and discuss a home dressing management plan. When it comes to caring for my child's wounds, I only trust Fucidin. I'll give you a little background on why I swear by Fucidin. 

Back in 2011, we almost lost Kyle (he was then around 8-years-old), my nephew who's almost like my son (I took care of him since he was a baby , up until now that's he's turning 15 by September). Kyle was ran over by an Isuzu car while he was crossing the street near our home. He had an avoulsed wound (an open wound) since the skin on his foot was practically peeled. It took a while before his wounds were healed. Before, we were cleaning his wounds with Sodium Hyperchloride (Yes, that's actually bleach!) together with another chemical (Sorry, I forgot what it was.) And I could vividly recall how my dear Kyle would scream at the top of his lungs each time the wounds' dressings had to be replaced. But thank God we were able to discover Fucidin. Kyle's avoulsed wound and his other bruises were able to heal faster. 

So when I was invited recently to an event by Fucidin, I said yes without hesitation. Most moms will agree with me that they'd do anything to care for  their child's health and well-being and to assure them to always be safe. Celebrity mom, Kris Aquino is like most of us. She too would fight against wound infection. In fact, during the said media event, Aquino said, "i have two boys and when they get a cut or a wound, I clean it with soap and water for 15 seconds. Then I apply Fucidin^® agad,” she says. “Fucidin^® is part of our wound care kit!"

Moms need to make sure the wound doesn’t get infected.  Infection occurs when bacteria enters the wound through a break on one’s skin. Bacteria may spread and lead to more serious diseases. Usually, the immediate response is to wash a wound well with soap and water. But cleaning may not be enough. It is also essential to apply a topical antibiotic like Fucidin^® at the first sign of wound infection.

Fucidin ambassador Kris Aquino

Fusidic acid/sodium fusidate Fucidin^® is a powerful antibiotic that is clinically proven against wound infection. It is fast-acting, working on the infection 2 minutes upon application and deep-penetrating, reaching the skin’s deepest layer 30 minutes after application. It also helps prevent bacteria from spreading.

Fucidin^® comes in two variants. Fucidin^® cream is ideal for exposed parts of the body like the face and hands, while Fucidin^® ointment is ideal for dry, scaly or cracked lesions.

Fucidin topical ointment for wounds

Me and my family swear by Fucidin^®  because it is clinically-proven, deep penetrating and powerful anti-bacterial solution to wounds/cut or abrasions. Cleaning wounds is never enough to prevent bacteria. It's always best to be safe than sorry. 

Fucidin^® is from LEO Pharma, a Danish pharmaceutical company with a mission to help people achieve healthy skin. LEO Pharma is the pioneer in the development of fusidic acid. It has a wide range of products that are marketed in over 100 countries. LEO Pharma has more than 100 years of trusted heritage worldwide. 

Fucidin^® is available in two variants: Fucidin ointment and Fucidin topical cream. It is available at leading drugstores nationwide. 

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

Guide to the 3rd Argentine Film Festival 2017 at the Shang Cineplex

Argentina shares its passion for their favorite sport to the Philippines through the 3rd Argentine Film Festival.

This sport is at the heart of this Latin country’s culture and is an enormous source of pride. We may not know much about it but in order for you to understand their enormous love for the sport, you have to see it through this year's line up of films. Worry not though, you do not need to be a football fan to appreciate the films. Try to catch each films, it's open to the public, it's FREE admission. Just head over at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 4 from May 11-14, 2017.

Buddha Bar Manila's Eggsciting Magical Easter Holiday 2017

Buddha Bar Manila

Buddha Bar Manila, the world-class resto-bar lounge in Makati City was transformed into one magical fantasy land last Easter Sunday for their Magical Easter event. Who would have thought that a resto-bar for adults can also accommodate kids on a special Sunday for an afternoon of fun treats? Well, it was made possible with Buddha Bar Manila's Magical Easter Sunday.