SM Foundation delivers vital medical supplies to Rizal Medical Center

Sharing this piece of good news amidst the pandemic Covid-19 virus infection that has plagued the country and the world today. SM Foundation's #HappyToServe spirit were recently shown at Rizal Medical Center. The said hospital has received medical supplies from SM Foundation! 

Rizal Medical Center received a number of Personal Protective Equipment from SM Foundation which arrived on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
The medical supplies included N95 masks, protective goggles, nitrile gloves, hygiene kits and alcohol among other supplies. 

Through SM Foundation, SM has donated and pledged over PHP170 million as it focused its efforts on giving critical medical supplies and equipment to about 50 hospitals nationwide. 

Kudos to your unwavering efforts in this fight against COVID-19 pandemic, frontliners of RMC.

#SMCares

Help displaced creative workers through Open House’s live online entertainment

Press Release:

COVID-19 has robbed many workers of their livelihood, and this is no less true in the performing arts sector, where live performances have been canceled to secure the health and safety of both audience and employees. With a number of freelance workers in the industry in urgent need, the most vulnerable of them displaced and deprived of the protection of the state due to the contractual nature of their work, Artists Welfare Project, Philstage, SPIT, Third World Improv, the Theater Actors Guild, and Ticket2Me created the online fundraising project Open House. With Open House, you can stream live online classes, shows, and workshops featuring some of the industry’s biggest names for FREE! But everyone is encouraged to donate suggested amounts in the form of tickets to simulate the tradition of live theater and help raise funds for the project. 

Viewers may click on to http://bit.ly/DonateOpenHouse to donate. All proceeds go directly to production workers like dressers, stage managers, lighting and sound technicians, stagehands, musicians, and more through the Artists Welfare Project. Every P2,000 donation to Open House will go a long way in supporting a displaced worker in the performing arts community and his or her family for one month during the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

OMF Literature releases new book for the Gen Z's called Kaya Ko Pa, Bes! (And Other Lies I Tell Myself)

OMF Literature releases new book for the Gen Z's called Kaya Ko Pa, Bes! (And Other Lies I Tell Myself)

Press Release: 

With progress and innovation comes change. This change is evident in how the younger generation vastly differs from the older generations. Gen Zs—those born from 1997 up to 2012—are exposed to a barrage of information and stimulants. It’s not always easy for them to distinguish the lies from the truth. Gen Zs encounter these lies through the media, the internet, and their peers and have come to believe them. Here are some lies Gen Zs tell themselves, and how they could respond to them biblically:

“Right and wrong changes over time." 
Many young people today believe that society dictates what is morally right and wrong. Truth has become relative, and it is up to the person to judge whether something is acceptable or not. Gen Zs who are followers of Jesus can be firm in their stand that truth is absolute, and that the Bible is our primary guide in discerning the truth from lies. 

“I need to stay connected 24/7.” Gen Zs grew up with technology. Today, many young people own electronic gadgets, and they spend a lot of time online. Let’s ask ourselves: Do I spend too much time on social media that I neglect to do other important things? Am I letting my connections online affect my relationship in real life?

“My value depends on the number of IG and Twitter likes I receive.” 
For many young people, posting on social media is not just a way of expressing themselves; it is also a way to get appreciation and affirmation. The problem is when we expect, or even demand, others to affirm us. Remember: You will be disappointed if you only do things to please people. Why not aim to please the Lord instead?

Because Gen Zs are still in their formative years, they need guidance in molding their core values and beliefs. To fill this need, bestselling author and the founder of the Lovestruck Movement, Pastor Ronald Molmisa gathered five millennials to write Kaya Ko Pa, Bes! (And Other Lies I Tell Myself), a devotional aimed at the Gen Z crowd. The 52 entries in the book tackles how Gen Zs can be strong amidst the challenges they face. The book also shares reflections on how each person’s story is connected to the Lord’s great plan for everyone.

Also included are “Woke Prayers,” short and sweet prayers that readers can use to jumpstart their conversations with God. Finally, the “Challenge Accepted” activity section encourages readers to apply the lessons they learned in the reflections. Published by OMF Literature, Kaya Ko Pa, Bes! is available at OMF Lit Bookshop and other leading bookstores nationwide for P225.00. The book can also be ordered online shop.omflit.com.

Ricky Lee offers FREE ONLINE SCRIPTWRITING WORKSHOP

Award-winning scriptwriter Ricky Lee conducts free online scriptwriting classes during the enhanced community quarantine and Luzon Lockdown

Ricky Lee has written 150 produced film scripts since 1979, earning him more than 50 trophies from award-giving bodies, including a lifetime achievement award from the critics' group, Urian. Most of his films have been shown in Cannes, Toronto Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival, and other foreign festivals. Among these are Himala, Moral, Brutal, Relasyon, Karnal, Bulaklak ng Maynila, Gumapang Ka sa Lusak, Jaguar, Salome, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Dolzura Cortes, Muru-Ami, Bagong Buwan, Rizal, Nasaan Ka Man, Madrasta, Anak, and Dubai.

What I liked about Sir Ricky Lee and probably what makes him a cut above the rest was the fact that he knew how to pay it forward by helping out fellow scriptwriting aspirants and film enthusiasts by conducting free scriptwriting workshops all these years.

Since 1982, Lee has been conducting workshops for beginning scriptwriters and he has produced hundreds of graduates who now work for either Television and Film productions, both on mainstream and indie films. His free scriptwriting workshop has attracted thousands of aspiring writers nationwide. The said free scriptwriting workshop has a stringent screening process because it is free, the organizing committee has to select the creme of the crop from amongst the applicants. 

I tried my luck before to apply for Sir Ricky Lee's scriptwriting workshop. I was able to make it on the callback but for some reason, I ended up attending ABS-CBN's Comedy Scriptwriting Workshop instead. I had no regrets anyway because I was able to learn a lot and I have met participants from that writing workshop who eventually became my lifelong friends. The only difference was, the ABS-CBN scriptwriting workshop I had attended didn't had Ricky Lee as our mentor-teacher because it was organized by ABS-CBN. Instead, we had with TV director Philip Pelino and another award-winning scriptwriter/film director, Jose Javier Reyes to teach us the basics of scriptwriting and how to properly weave a story. Anyway, that's an entirely different story that I had already shared on this blog a few years back. 

Make your dessert dreams come true with the Queens of Buttercream and The Maya Kitchen

The Maya Kitchen brings in Valeri Valeriano and Christina Ong, also known as the Queen of Buttercream and popular Filipino owners of the London-based Queen of Hearts Couture Cakes shop, for a special cupcake decorating workshop

Baking a cake is impressive enough. But frosting it hits every sweet spot. Add a few swirls, and you’re giving the cake a personal touch and making it more fitting for any celebration. Elevate it further by turning your cake into a showstopping centerpiece with a few piping tricks from baking royalty.

The Maya Kitchen brings in Valeri Valeriano and Christina Ong, the popular Filipino founders and owners of the London-based Queen of Hearts Couture Cakes shop, for the special Dessert Dreams with the Queens of Buttercream workshop. The session includes a cake decorating demo using local and easy to find ingredients like MAYA products and a hands-on exercise where participants get expert guidance on frosting a cupcake.

Manila Mayor Isko "Yorme" Moreno is Novuhair's Latest Brand Ambassador

Manila City Mayor Isko "Yorme"Moreno is Novuhair's New Brand Ambassador

If there's one rags to riches Filipino story that's truly inspiring, it's got to be Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso's life story. More popularly known in the showbiz industry as Isko Moreno, the actor-turned-politician had climbed his way up the ladder in Philippine politics when he started by running as the city councilor. He eventually won and soon ran for Vice Mayor and now as the city of Manila's mayor, he's able to transform the glory of Manila. 

Mayor ISKO MORENO threaded an impoverished area in Manila while growing up.  As the elected City Mayor of Manila, more popularly known to Filipinos as Yorme, he never wavered amidst adversities hurled at him for taking several steps in making a better version of the city he fondly calls his home and crowning glory.  Bold and fearless, Yorme puts his heart and mind in anything he does - “Believe in yourself! You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Yorme recently signed Ordinance 8607 declaring the permanence of Arroceros Forest Park dubbed as the “Last lung of the City”, home to 61 tree varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants. The new ordinance forbids the cutting of trees and dumping of waste within the park. Part of his plan is to allocate P1 million solely for its preservation and maintenance away from urbanization and all these efforts stem from his greater plan to make Manila a “Green City”.

Mint Relief Product Review + Impressive Health Benefits of Mint You Didn't Know

Peppermint 

I have always been a fan of peppermint for as long as I can remember. From mint balms, mint chocolates and candies to mint teas--name it, I must've had it. In fact, my mother used to ask and wonder what made me love mint teas--when for her it tasted something like "pinagkawkawan ng paa," [read: a tea that seemed to have been made from foot soaked in water]. My mom said such because mint is usually used as an ingredient when you have foot soak in spa centers. 

I love the smell of mint because they're very refreshing. And please don't underestimate the potent powers of these leaves. No, mints aren't just for garnish. This classic favorite deserves a spot in your garden and as part of your food supplement. Here's why:

Mint Relief  Gel Capsules

Peppermint oil has been linked with reducing pain, stomach upset, and other symptoms of IBS, largely because of the anti-spasmodic effects of methanol found in the stuff. That said, it's no longer a surprise that these benefits have been seen in capsule gel form of Mint Relief from Wellness Refill. But it is advised to see your doctor first before taking on any food supplement for regimen. 

I had the privilege of trying out a new product called Mint Relief as recommended by a friend. Being a mint fan, I had no hesitation at all. My friend had also assured it's natural and proven to be safe and effective. Best of all, it's BFAD approved so I knew it there's nothing to worry about. I was truly excited the first time I tried taking Mint Relief! You could really feel the soothing properties of peppermint in a gel capsule. 

I had been suffering from menstrual cramps or primary dysmenorrhea, an uncomfortable part of life for most women on a monthly basis. Each time I surf the crimson tide, my daily work gets disrupted because of the pain I get from having dysmenorrhea. I don't want to resort to taking Ibuprofen because doing so might make me dependent on the medicine. I used to drink more water to help ease bloating, but it only makes the symptoms worse. I guess I'm lucky in the sense that some women experience vomiting episodes in conjunction with menstrual cramps.

Manila Coffee Festival 2020 has been postponed

Manila Coffee Festival 2020 has been postponed until further notice

It is very unfortunate that due to the sudden rise in number of the contagious COVID-19 cases, the organizers of the highly-anticipated 2nd Manila Coffee Festival 2020 have postponed the said event until further notice. On their Facebook page it says: 

“With the country currently in a State of Public Health Emergency due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, we regret to announce that Manila Coffee Festival 2020 has been postponed until further notice. In line with the official Malacañang and DOH’s advisory, the MCF 2020, with the city government of Manila and The Manila Hotel Management, is taking this step as a precautionary measure of keeping everyone safe. Please hold on to your tickets, as we will keep you posted on the new schedule. Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe!”

Please stand by for the announcements on new dates of the concert. Thank you,” said the organizing body of Manila Coffee Festival.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the country under a state of public health emergency after health officials confirmed local transmission of the coronavirus.

There are 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country as of press time.

Manila Coffee Festival 2020 is brewing at The Manila Hotel

Attention: Coffee Lovers Unite!!! Manila Coffee Festival is back!!! This time they'd be having it in the historical city of Manila. The highly anticipated event will be held from March 13 to 15, 2020 at The Tent, The Manila Hotel. The historical The Manila Hotel will be such a fitting backdrop to the largest coffee event in the country today. Patterned after popular coffee international festivals, Manila Coffee Festival 2020 prides itself as it converges  the best Philippine coffee with music, entertainment, art, local tourism and the like all under one roof!