Manila Hotel's Giant Mystery Easter Egg will surely bring joy and surprise

 

Eggs have long been associated with Easter. Easter traditions and symbols have evolved over the years, some even have been around for centuries. The decoration of eggs is believed to have begun as early as the 13th century. The egg may have been associated with pagan festivals but it is a Christian symbol of new life. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus' resurrection from the dead. 

CBN ASIA'S LENTEN Offering Brings You Stories of Hope and Healing via Tanikala with Actresses Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz and Karen Timbol

 

Isa Pang Hiling is CBN Asia\s Lenten Offer which features stories of hope and healing

There are basically three things I look forward to during Holy Week: Of course, I look forward to Lenten Recollection as well as other church-related activities in my community and in our parish. However, since it is pandemic, all church activities have been suspended to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus and its variants. I fully understand that. But not because gatherings are not allowed means I'm not going to do something for my soul this Holy Week. We should just learn to stay at home and reflect on our lives and pray that we can surpass all the challenges brought about by this virus/disease.

Another thing I look forward to is the quality time I get to spend with family. It will be a bit difficult for me to do that now since non-essential travels are currently not allowed. My Mom is in our house in Quezon City while my husband and I along with my nephew Kyle now stays together in a rented house in Bacoor, Cavite. Thank God for technology. My mom and I still get to talk to each other over the phone via video chat or on Facetime. So it feels like we're pretty much together when in reality, we're basically miles apart. Quality time is equally important for me because we cannot stop the sun from setting. Each day is another blessing to let the ones we love know how much we love them. I believe that time is of great essence. While we're here, let's show our loved ones how important they are to us. 

Lastly, It is only during Holy Week or Lenten Season do I get to watch films that do not only touch lives but also touches and nourishes our hearts and souls. We need to feed our hearts with quality films and stories. I'm glad there are organizations like CBN Asia that do that. This year, CBN Asia brings in stories of hope via Tanikala and Habang May Ngayon. 

These two brand-new films about hope and healing amid the pandemic on its much-awaited Holy Week special – Tanikala presents Habang May Ngayon and Isa Pang Hiling, airing this Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on GMA Network.

Karen Timbol stas in Habang May Ngayon

Petron Promo Honors Filipino Women via Blazing HERoes

March is international women's month and oil industry leader, Petron Corporation wants to recognize this as they help celebrate women empowerment via their HERoes campaign. It is their recognition of the various roles that women play in society. 

Customers who will be visiting Petron branches shall be treated to three special HERoes promotions that are lined up until the end of the month:

From March 8 to 12, 2021 - Free Petron Gasul Apron. For a minimum purchase of one 11-kg Petron Gasul refill, the customer will be awarded one Free Gasul apron. The purchase should be made through the Petron Gasul Express Delivery phone hotline (02) 8737 8000 or via SMS through (0917) 878 8000. This is valid within the National Capital Region.

From March 15 to 31, 2021 - Petron Gasul Electronic Raffle. Valid at authorized Petron Gasul stores and service stations nationwide, a minimum purchase of one 11-kg Petron Gasul refill will entitle the customer to one electronic raffle entry. The customer must submit a copy of the Petron Gasul invoice or the POS receipt through the Petron microsite https://onlinepromo.petron.com, which will be activated during the promo duration from March 15 to 31 only. Thirty winners of one 11-kg Petron Gasul refill will be drawn through an electronic raffle scheduled on April 8, 2021.

From March 22 to 31, 2021 - Free Petron Safety Kit. Exclusively for registered female drivers, cardholders of a Petron Loyalty Card - Petron Value Card (PVC) and Super Driver Card (SDC) will be awarded one free Safety Kit containing 3 surgical masks and a mask case. This exclusive reward will be given for a minimum Php 1,000 single-receipt purchase of any Petron fuel from 8AM to 5PM. The offer is valid at 13 participating Petron service stations within the

National Capital Region.

Visit any of these stations to avail of this exclusive females-only freebie: In QUEZON CITY - Katipunan Ave cor Mangyan St; Commonwealth Ave, South Fairview; 811 Quezon Ave; 66 Quezon cor Ave BMA Ave, Tatalon. For MANDALUYONG CITY - 8804 EDSA cor Connecticut Ave; EDSA cor Sierra Madre; 535 Shaw Boulevard cor Wack-Wack. In MAKATI CITY - Petron Dasmariñas Station EDSA; 363 Sen Gil Puyat Ave cor Makati Ave. In PASIG CITY - E. Rodriguez Ave, Bo Ugong; TAGUIG CITY - C5 Diego Silang, Ususan; PASAY CITY - Pres Diosdado Macapagal Blvd; MUNTINLUPA CITY - Pacific Rim cor Commerce Ave, Filinvest.

Sharing my thoughts as a blogger and influencer for the past 11 years

 

Influencers and bloggers would often capture a photo of their food prior to eating and post on social media

How I started

I started blogging in February of 2010 simply because I missed the “glory of by-line” (I was a contributor writer for a lifestyle and fashion print magazine for almost a decade) and I also used blogging as my venue to express my thoughts. During that time, I had no stable job but I had to work and accept small writing gigs because I was raising my nephew Kyle who was a toddler then. I liked blogging because I can write any topic I want under the sun without having to please an editor. To be perfectly honest about it, I got into blogging without any idea what it was all about. I guess I was just too bored at that time and wanted something which I can use as a form of self-expression.

Thus, I started my blog as a “mommy blog” even if I am not yet a biological mom. It was through my blog that I would write all my journey and adventures as a “single mom” while I make ends meet to raise my beloved nephew.  I was glad to have found support from a community of fellow moms online and eventually I got to meet some of them during events offline. I also started receiving event invitations for exclusive mommy events—and I didn’t mind because I treated Kyle as my real son even if I’m only just his aunt. After all, I took care of him, taught him his ABCs and 123s, and sent him to school—practically anything a mother will do for her child—except for breastfeeding and giving birth. I also received product samples of diapers, milk products, vitamins, toys to review among many others—all the perks and freebies of a typical mom blogger. In my mind, I couldn’t believe people are actually giving me free stuff? All I need to do was to promote them and write about them. So, this is what blogging and being an online influencer was all about!

My blog has evolved over the years

Eventually, my mommy blog has to evolve as Kyle hit his teen years. I remember he talked to me one day and said I should stop blogging about him because he’s been teased by his classmates at school especially after I tagged him on our photos with his sister after seeing Barbie Live. So I figured it was time I convert my blog into a lifestyle blog. After all, I love to eat out, I like cooking, traveling, and just about anything lifestyle-related.

But when I started blogging, I really didn’t have any idea about being an influencer. I was just enjoying all the perks of being a blogger. If you ask me, what is the difference between a blogger and an influencer? Most people tend to think they are the same but they are not. A blogger is anyone who owns a blog site where he or she writes original content and publishes them on his website. An influencer is one who uses social media platforms and has his or her own number of followers who engage in his/her posts. An influencer has an impact on his follower’s buying decisions. Not all bloggers are influencers and vice versa. But you can be both. 

Your Dream Motorcycle is now within reach via Malayan Bank

 

Owning your dream motorcycle is made possible with Malayan Bank
Pang sariling gamit man o para sa inyong delivery rider job, sagot ka ng MB Motorcycle Loan!

Let's face it, commuting is difficult especially during these trying times. But having your own means of transportation is even better during this pandemic. In fact, it is probably the smartest and most helpful investment you can make. Having a motorcycle will surely help you if your job requires you to be in multiple locations in a single day. 

Malayan Bank might be able to help you achieve that dream motorcycle of yours. And it won't be something that will hurt your savings! 

Malayan Bank is establishing itself as your reliable partner with regard to your financial concerns. The savings bank provides brand new as well as pre-loved motorcycles to support you with your needs. They also offer Motorcycle Loan for your convenience. They offer a wide range of available units including popular brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha--all available at flexible, affordable, competitive prices. They have staggered payment schemes of 12, 18, 24, or 36 monthly payments to suit your financial status. Processing of documents are also made simple and easy: just search, select and submit and Malayan Bank's motorcycle listings online does the job!

“We understand that customers need a helping hand now, more than any other time, as we all feel the impact of the pandemic. We are here to provide that support, through our loan products and timely investment advice, in order to guide customers to a future that is financially stable and secure,” says Anna  M. Siapno, Malayan Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Requirements consist of a completely filled out and signed application form, a clear copy of your government-issued valid ID, and your latest BIR Form 2316, three months payslip, or your Certificate of Employment (COE) or employment contract for OFWs. Once the necessary documents are completed, you may send them to amtiwan@malayanbank.com.ph

For the full list of available motorcycle units and more information on the loan requirements, you may visit http://properties.malayanbank.com/motorcycle-requirements/. Make this wise financial decision when you #BankNowWithMSB and avail of their Motorcycle Loan!

You may also call the customer care team at (02) 8841 7800 or send an email to customercare@malayanbank.com.ph for further assistance. You can also visit any of Malayan Bank’s 21 branches across the country. For a full list of branches, refer to https://www.malayanbank.com/branches. Like Malayan Bank on Facebook and follow @malayanbankph on Instagram for more information on their products and services.

Things to Consider Before Buying a House

 

What's next after marriage aside from starting a family? 

Do we stay at home with our parents or in-laws and face the stigma of never branching out on our own? Or do we move out and enter the financially daunting world of the unaffordable housing market? These are two equally difficult choices each adult is about to take once he or she decides to get married.

Imagine being newly married and ready to start a new chapter with your spouse. You must've lived at your home all your life and you're excited by the prospect of having to move out of your parents' house (the holy bible teaches us to leave and cleave), be on our own, and say hello to your newfound independence.

But before you collect your things, pack your boxes, prepare your luggage and say adieu to your family, have you ever asked yourself, "How sure are you that you're financially ready to move out?" "Are you ready to buy your first house?" Of course, buying your first house is a joint venture with your spouse shortly before or after your wedding day. It is an exciting time for most people and we're pretty sure you are eager to start new lives together as a couple.

I would sometimes blame the Filipinos' closely-knit families and the country's housing unaffordability because it has kept me and my mom in her parents' rent-free shelter for years. But now that I'm married, life has taught me that moving out is a measure of maturity and adulthood. Before deciding to move out, you should carefully review your income and financial situation to determine if you can afford to do so. Moving out means having to locate and pay for a suitable house. This could be a major issue for you and your spouse if you have not talked about this ideally before your wedding.

Purple Plum Fairy with husband Jason during their wedding in December 2020

When I got married last December of 2020, this issue has been playing in my head constantly. At the time, I had just gotten married but I can't help but feel conflicted over the idea of being married yet having to move out of the house I've lived in and considered my only home since I was born. That's when I soon realized that being married indeed comes with extra challenges you had to deal with together. You had to juggle two people's credit history and all the paperwork multiplies. If marriage and a new dream home are on the horizon, it's important to do your research, study well, and ask the right mortgage questions before your planning. Whether you're currently planning your wedding or you've already exchanged "I do's" like me, I've come up with helpful tips for house-hunting newlyweds. 

It's completely normal to be cautious when you're shopping for a home. A house is a good property investment and you need to make sure that you're making the best decision possible. How will you know that you've found the right one? I suppose it's like finding the right guy. It varies on a case-to-case basis. Some people know they've found the right property by their gut instincts. Others may need a little more time convincing. But some indicators will tell you that you've found the right property for you. Check out this list I've made to somehow help you out:

You envision yourself happily living there with your family

You need to ask yourself if you truly see yourself living at the said property with your family. The property might not necessarily have every amenity that you desire but for as long as it meets the basic requirements, it's alright. It has the number of rooms and space you need. It may not have a garage but then you realize it could be more flexible if you want to expand for an extra room, a garden, or your future kids' play area. 

Check your credit

Check with your bank or with Pag-ibig fund if you and your spouse do qualify to successfully get a loan. You may choose a fairly low house. But if you want a better deal or a nicer house, then only trust well-known companies like Lumina Homes where you could get exactly what you're paying for in terms of quality, service, and standards. You also have to make sure that bills are paid on time to lower your debt utilization ratio, double-check and report if there are mistakes on it. 

Pay off all your debts before buying a house

Banks might get apprehensive about approving your housing loans for people who are already deep in debt because it seems less likely that they'd be delinquent when it comes to payment. When you apply for a mortgage, they will look at your total debt compared to your income and you might not qualify. Take into account your personal loans, car loans, and anything else that you owe money on.  The less debt you have, the better mortgage you qualify for. 

Part of starting a family is building a place you could call home.

Save up for your dream house

Most of the time, people buy on impulse even under budget when they buy their first home. Little did they know they are up for a dilemma of financial issues later.  considering all the expenses. Down payments and reservation fees, moving-in fees aren't obvious enough. But in reality, there is a myriad of other expenses that come out to play when you buy your first house. 

Budget Effectively

There's nothing wrong with knowing the difference between needs and wants. There is a thin line that separates the two and if you aren't careful, you might not be ready yet to settle down. It's one thing to save money and it's another to do so in an effective manner. Saving money for the new house may take some time under the best circumstances. Please try your best to live within your means to be able to budget efficiently.

Cliché as it may sound but buying a house also entails some sacrifice especially if you're used to indulging yourself. But remember, it is better to budget hard for a shorter period than to slack and you lose the opportunity to buy yourself some property—a house you could call your own—from your sweat, blood, and tears.

Bear in mind that when saving money, it is equally important to set a goal, separating your savings account from checking, logging in your progress, and identifying what to do away and cut among unnecessary expenses. 

Find the right agent

Your real estate agent should be able to answer all your queries and explain to you even the smallest detail. He or she has to be someone you're comfortable being with. Your real estate agent has to be able to guide you and assist you well. Don't be shy about asking questions. This is the person who's going to make your dream house a reality so you can be as picky as you need to be. Most agents know some promos where you can get discounts or freebies. They won't advertise it, so just ask! They'll be happy to negotiate in rebate or promo for you if they can. 

Know exactly what it is that you're looking for

House hunting can be pretty overwhelming. Don't let it become even more intimidating by rushing in blind. I know exactly how it feels as I've been to several tripping before. I even had a friend who after seeing a model house, she decided to buy a unit right away without studying first if it was right for her. Later she realized she bought the house on impulse and complained she bought a bare-type of unit rather than the one exactly like the model house that she fell in love with.

I suggest you sit down with your spouse and make a list of what you're looking for in a house. It's best to indicate which ones are your "must-haves" from your "desires." Then you can start comparing what you want in a house against each other and determine which neighborhoods to look in. Tell them to your real estate agent so that they can better direct you with your search.

The 360-degree virtual tour of Lumina Homes

One perfect example where you can discover and explore affordable yet high-quality properties is the ones made by Lumina Homes. They are available in various key locations across the country and their prices vary depending on their location. The best part? You can go on a virtual tour and see the units through their Lumina Showcase Area 360-degree virtual tour or model unit house tour right where you are, and in your own free time. While you’re at it, you may want to check out their property listings. 

Lumina Townhouse in Tanza, Cavite

Lumina Homes is a prime real estate developer in the Philippines taking pride in its legacy projects of building affordable homes for every Filipino household. You can even make a reservation from any device and conveniently pay your premiums via cashless payment online. Their reservation e-vouchers can also be availed via Shopee and Lazada. You can be assured that you're safe and in good hands with Lumina Homes because it’s recognized as Pag-IBIG Fund’s Top developer in 2019 for nothing. 

Lumina Bacolod Rowhouses

I'm saying it again, don't rush. It's okay to take your time.

There might be a sense of urgency that usually surrounds couples during their wedding year. You may feel pressured to have a house immediately after the wedding, but do not stress yourselves. Picking the wrong house is not a mistake easily remedied. Take your own sweet time and make sure you're getting a house in the neighborhood that you want to live in.

You may start by renting a house as you save up for your dream house. And don't let anyone tell you that you should have a home by a certain date. You'll know you have found the right place, so just be patient and persistent. 

I hope the above-given tips may help you prepare for your newlywed house hunting! Good luck & best wishes!

'ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE' SET TO PREMIERE IN PH ON HBO GO VIA SKY ON MARCH 18, 2021

 DC  FANS, UNITE! This is something you surely wouldn't want to miss! The highly anticipated Warner Bros. Pictures and DC full-length HBO Max Original feature film "Zack Synder's Justice League" comes to Philippine homes with its premiere on HBO GO via SKY on March 18, 2021.

Determined to ensure Superman's (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes. Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad and Darkseid and their dreadful intentions.

With the screenplay written by Chris Terrio, story by Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder and Will Beall, "Zack Synder's Justice League" is based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film's producers are Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, with executive producers Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Wesley Coller, Jim Rowe, Curtis Kanemoto, Chris Terrio and Ben Affleck.

The good news is, you do not have to wait in long lines to be able to watch "Zack Synder's Justice League" as the cinematic experience is brought to the safety and convenience right at the comfort of your own home through HBO GO for as low as Php 99/month using a SKYcable plan or Php149/month via any SKY Fiber plan.

To know more about SKY's Video on Demand offerings, visit vod.mysky.com.ph.

Millennials amidst pandemic : from renting generation to homebuyers

 

Millennial homebuyers

Millennials are known to be carefree, free-spirited, and they enjoy living life to the fullest – the YOLO [You only live once] culture. When it comes to their lifestyle, they prefer to rent rather than buy. Millennials are often thought to be the generation that shied away from homeownership. But this reality is changing, interestingly amidst this pandemic, when millennials are actually hitting the property market. Millennials pushing through with their purchase decision are now proud homeowners despite the extraordinary situation.

Here’s a list of the factors that have contributed to their change of heart:

• New financial priorities

The absence of retail shops and outlets for leisure because of travel restrictions and community quarantine measures, caused millennials to redirect their finances to long-term investments, such as housing. Because they are staying at home for long periods, they started to realize the importance of an ideal space they need and want.

Remote work-from-home set-up among companies

Celebrating Pinoy: YouTuber ‘Dudut Lang’ Joins International Live Streaming Platform ‘Bigo Live’ For One Night

 

Press Release:

Bigo Live is a leading global live streaming platform. They are eager Youtube comedian Dudut Langfor a one-night-only fan interaction via livestream session between 9 PM - 10 PM PHT on Thursday, 4 March 2021.

If you're not familiar with Dudut Lang, he has over 1.34 million subscribers on YouTube. He is one of the Philippines’ most popular comedians and content creators. Known for his down-to-earth lifestyle content and relatable sense of humor,

he is also part of the content-creating squad known as Team Payaman,

which counts Filipino YouTubers Cong TV, Boss Keng and Mentos as members.

During the one-night-only event, fans and viewers alike will get

an exclusive opportunity to interact with Dudut Lang

during a virtual Q&A session, Bigo Live where users will stand a chance to

win Bigo Diamonds.

In addition to the Q&A session, Dudut Lang will also be hosting

a “Funny Fast Talk” segment where he will be translating his unique

Pinoy humor onto the live streaming platform. 

Dudut Lang says he's very excited about his first livestream session with Bigo live.

"I look forward to hosting an intimate session with my fans.

This will be a new experience for me.I can’t wait to share the experience with the wider Bigo Live community."

Bigo Live has brought communities together and provided people

with a platform to connect, showcase their talents, and create content.

"I am honored to be a part of this movement and humbled to be able to

do my part to bring laughter and happiness into homes around the Philippines

and the world,” he added

To join the fun in this exciting live stream, simply download the Bigo Live app here Follow Dudut Lang (BIGO ID: allarounddudut).

For more updates on the upcoming Dudut Lang livestream,

follow Bigo Live Philippines on Facebook here.

What's going to be your office and work life after COVID?

 

Prior to lockdown, I was able to resurrect my "corporate life" after a well-known hotel accepted me with open arms after almost a decade of working freelance. I remember being excited each morning as I used to commute from our house in Quezon City to the hotel where I'm working. But a lot of things had changed right after the lockdown. 

"THE PANDEMIC HAS BROUGHT ABOUT TREMENDOUS CHANGES, AND WE COULDN’T HAVE ANTICIPATED THE SCALE OR SPEED AT WHICH THEY HAVE OCCURRED.”

Architect Kaydee Marie Velasco is named Young CEO of the Year by Asia Leaders Award 2020

 

The biggest and most talk of the town recognition event from the previous year even during pandemic is Asia Leaders Awards that was held at Inagiku, Makati Shangrila Hotel and attended by leaders who are making a difference even in this crisis we all are experiencing with an objective to acknowledge these leaders ans to be emulated that in spite of this Pandemic are still and able to reach out those in need even outside their community. 

Architect Kaydee Marie Velasco

The young CEO of KMV Asia Development Corporation, Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco is the recipient of “Young CEO of the Year: Real Estate” for her success in developing multiple  real estate properties and by reaching out to the Frontliners and indigents. 

Arch. Kaydee Marie Velasco

The winner of this award proves that being young is not a limitation to succeed in the field of business. This award recognizes those 40s and under who play an important role in developing and improving their community, business industry and professional arenas.