6th Year of the Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge

The annual Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge (UCC) 2015 is slated on Friday, January 30, 2015 at the Hall 2 of the SMX Convention Hall from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. On its 6th year, UCC organizer, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation, puts together the best culinary teams from Luzon-VisayasMindanao in one (1) cooking arena to showcase their masterful culinary creations. UCC is the biggest, intercollegiate, multi-category culinary competition that focuses on the delicious potential of umami, the 5th basic taste. The event attracts HRM and Nutrition students in 54 schools coming from NCR, Ilocos, CALABARZON, Central Luzon and Bicol Regions and regional winners from Visayas and Mindanao. Apart from the Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Cooking Showdown, UCC 2015 features three (3) competition categories: Best Filipino Umami Dish, My Own Umami Creation and My Eat Well, Live Well® Plate. The competing teams will be judged based on intensity of their dish’s umami taste, culinary technique and creativity, dish preparation and plate presentation. One of the major criteria is the Eat Well, Live Well.® Cooking, which referred to culinary nutrition or the integration of culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to create delicious and nourishing umami dish. Winners will receive cash prizes: first place winners P10,000, second place winners P8,000 and third place winners P5,000. National Showdown winners will receive PhP 15,000. Major prizes also include gifts from UCC 2015 sponsors: La Germania, Solane, Fujidenzo and Masflex. Ajinomoto® advocates culinary nutrition embodied in its slogan Ajinomoto® Eat Well, Live Well. 

Ipanema Selfeet fever takes the country by storm

After the global phenomenon of the “selfie” swept the whole country, everyone is now taking #IpanemaSelfeet, a campaign introduced by Brazilian flip-flop brand Ipanema that encouraged Filipinos to aim phone cameras lower, down to our feet.

From bloggers, fashionistas to celebrities—Pinoys from all walks of life took an #IpanemaSelfeet. These included Azkal football player Anton del Rosario and radio jock Gelli Victor at SM North Edsa, teen tandem James Reid and Nadine Lustre at Robinsons Ermita, Tom Rodriguez at Abreeza Mall in Davao, and Miss Philippines Water 2012 Samantha Purvor.

The #IpanemaSelfeet campaign was launched at Ipanema’s newest store in SM North Edsa in September and made its way to major malls such as Robinsons Ermita, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall in Davao.

2015 Kick-Off Sale at Lazada Philippines

Shopping has never been this easy. And true to its word, with Lazada you can experience an effortless shopping, and everything you need from fashion, baby needs, gift for your friends and family, gadgets, cameras, home appliances, health and beauty, home and living, toys, sports and outdoors, computer and laptops, all are available in just a click away at www.lazada.com.ph.

And with the successful Online Revolution Month that culminated last December 12, 2014, Lazada is ready for another yet show-stopping shopping event tomorrow, January 27, to kick-off the Chinese New Year that's happening next month. 

Ready yourselves to shop and get jaw-dropping deals of as much as 88% off on select best selling items, flash sales and surprise items. The sale will start at 12:01AM of January 27 and it will end on 11:59PM of the same day.

Baskin-Robbins celebrates Royale Festival of frozen treats

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is celebrating a “Royale Festival” until the end of February with the launch of a regal line-up of frozen treats inspired by its delicious Chocolate Mousse Royale™ ice cream flavor. Featuring silky chocolate mousse ice cream and decadent chocolate flakes, Chocolate Mousse Royale is a classic Baskin-Robbins flavor fit for royalty.

“Since making its debut more than 31 years ago, Chocolate Mousse Royale has become one of our most beloved ice cream flavors around the world,” said Jeff Miller, executive chef and vice president of product innovation for Dunkin’ Brands. “We’re excited to introduce a full line-up of frozen treats inspired by this classic Baskin-Robbins flavor, including a range of Gold Crown Layered Sundaes, a Chocolate King Waffle Cone, a Chocolate Mousse Royalty Triple Shake and our magnificent Royale Chocolate Ice Cream Cake. These delicious ice cream creations will certainly make you feel like a member of the King’s court.”

Baskin-Robbins’ Chocolate Mousse Royale ice cream flavor is available in participating Baskin-Robbins shops by the scoop, in a cup or cone as well as in fresh-packed pints and quarts to take home. In addition, guests can enjoy Baskin-Robbins’ full line-up of “Royale Festival” frozen treats including:

Chocolate King Waffle Cone: A cone fit for a king, this frozen treat features a scoop of Chocolate Mousse Royale ice cream in a freshly baked waffle cone, topped with a “crown” of whipped cream and diced almonds.

Baskin-Robbins Chocolate King Waffle Cone

Adidas Originals ZX FLUX Collection

Bringing the simple versatility of neoprene to the original ZX FLUX silhouette for the first time, adidas Originals has created the ZX FLUX Neoprene Collection.

My Grande Island Resort Adventure

As I welcomed 2015 last January 1, I promised myself I'll go out of my comfort zone. Explore a little, try new things and be spontaneous. As much as my family wants to go out of town whenever we can, my hubby's work doesn't permit us and yes, I dunno how to drive (I know it sucks! haha - I added it in my bucket list/goal this year). I don't know pero parang I have this adrenaline rush to go out this year. Live a little. And when I say go out, I meant out of the country, go to disneyland, universal studios, shop at Bangkok. Travel by plane and everything by land. 

So, when someone asked me if I want to join an overnight bloggers tour at Grande Island, Subic.. guess what? I didn't say yes right away. Lol! I googled it first since I've never heard of Grande Island. When I checked their website it occurred to me that the island is surrounded by water. And we have to take a 20-30minutes ferry ride to go there. It's been years since I went to the beach. And sad fact about me? I'm scared of mass water. I don't know how I got this phobia, pero takot talaga ako. Big factor na din that I don't know how to swim to save my life (I'll add swimming lesson to my bucket list). Haha! So any travel na may water, I'll say no right away. I thought kasi when we get to Subic, Grande Island na yun. Hindi pa pala. Going to the beach is ok, pero if I have to travel by water to go to the beach, medyo scared na ako. My fear got ahead of me and was preparing to text na I can't go. I don't know why pero there was this feeling inside of me that I'll regret for not going. Especially if I'll see pictures of my co-bloggers enjoying and having a grand time in my facebook timeline. I'll be kicking myself sa inggit for sure. Haha! Anyhoo, I asked my hubby also if he would approve. Sya yung sign ko if I'll go or not, and guess what? He said yes right away. Hay. haha! He told me if I want to live a little and be adventurous, this is now the right time. According to him, I always say na let's go out, let's go to the beach, let's do this. I want adventure. And here I am, presented an opportunity to try everything, and I will say no? Then I realized my hubby has a point (finally! Lol). And bigla na din akong naexcite. In short, I said yes na. Woot! 2015 is my year, and I need to overcome a lot of things and just get over it.  (why am I telling you this story? I dunno! Haha! But seriously, baka may maka-relate and need inspiration for overcoming fear :D)

So anyway, the group met last January 16 at McDonalds's Mindanao, and we began traveling to Subic at 7am. 

SM Accessories Pre-Summer Collection 2015.

Aaahhhh!!! Summer is just around the corner. And what better way to start? Wearing the SM Accessories for good vibes! 

SM Accessories takes 2015 in a desert storm with the pre-summer collection of 2015. See Anne Curtis, Xian Lim, Georgina Wilson, Enrique Gil, Julia Barretto, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla venture into the wild with pieces that merge style and function.

 

AXN Announces “Asia’s Got Talent” Judges

It’s a YES! Grammy-award winner David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C, Indonesian rock icon Anggun and Taiwanese-American pop idol Van Ness Wu have been named as the celebrity judging panel for the season premiere of hit talent search show, “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN.

Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, “Asia’s Got Talent” will light up screens across Asia in March on AXN and will feature some of the region’s most incredible performing artists as they compete to take home the coveted winning title. 

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “We have put together a superb panel of judges for ‘Asia’s Got Talent’. This is definitely our most ambitious original series to date and is very much in line with the type of smart, high-quality local programming that audiences have come to expect from AXN."

Paul O’Hanlon, Managing Director of FremantleMedia Asia said, “We’re proud to say that ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ will be the largest version ever of the Got Talent franchise, and our judges bring a depth and breadth of experience and talent worthy of this show.”

From thousands of applicants, the four judges must select Asia's most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and breathtaking performances.  Those who move on to the semi- finals will face an even more intimidating judge, the AXN audience at home who will ultimately determine who wins the first season of Asia’s Got Talent. Adding to the excitement, the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, with the winner awarded a contract to return and perform live at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.

Samsung Galaxy A Series launch

As we welcome 2015 with a bang, Samsung also opened the 2015 with a big bang! They recently released the Samsung Galaxy A Series. For the young and upwardly mobile crowd, there’s nothing better than having access to the A life – an awesome lifestyle that lets you freely express yourself and have fun the way you want to. The A life means being able to experience life’s greatest moments and sharing these with your friends.

Those who want to experience the A Life can make it happen with the Samsung Galaxy A series with its slim, stylish and full metal design. Launched last January 14 at Valkyrie, the Samsung Galaxy A Series is Samsung’s first full metal smartphone which features both a stylish design and powerful specs.

Happy Wife, Happy Life

Let's talk about sexual intimacy. Menarini Philippines continues to promote its Community to Control PE advocacy campaign this 2015 with its Happy Wife, Happy Life event. When it comes to sexual intimacy, couples need to be more open with their partners about what satisfies them.

Given that the two of you share a special bond, there's no reason for you to not be comfortable about discussing what you like - and don't like about sex. After all, an activity that is meant to be enjoyed, should provide fulfillment for both parties.

As such, Menarini Philippines together with the Philippine Urological Association, boldly launched its Commit to Control PE Advocacy campaign last year to address one of the more pressing issues regarding sexual intimacy - premature ejaculation.

Globe Telecom brings heart-pumping music experience to Sinulog and Dinagyang

Are you ready for this? Fresh from the launch of its world-renowned GEN3 Stores that brought the Philippine telco experience to global retail standards, Globe Telecom continues the celebration as it treats revellers in Cebu and Iloilo to great music and entertainment with back-to-back parties for two of the country’s biggest festivals: Sinulog and Dinagyang. Taking centerstage in this month’s festivals are four of the country’s best DJs and GEN3 NEXT ACT ambassadors: Mars Miranda, Callum David, Badkiss, and Eric Capili. 

Skyranch opens at SM City Pampanga

And it's finally here! The biggest and tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines . . . A Dream Log that mimics the experience of going down a raging river  . . . a Super Viking gondola that swings up to 90 degrees . . . a nostalgic double- decker Carousel.

These are just some of the exciting attractions at the Skyranch, which opened recently at SM City Pampanga.  Located on a 10,000 site beside the mall, it is the first amusement park in North Luzon and the newest destination for both local residents and tourists.

MasterCard PayPass

Celebrity footballers experience MasterCard PayPass. Celebrity football players Simon and Chris Greatwich (first and second from left) and Phil and James Younghusband (second and first from right) experienced the speed and convenience of using MasterCard PayPass-enabled credit, debit, and prepaid cards to pay for their favorite meal at McDonald’s. Joining them at McDonald’s Greenhills were TV host Ginger Conejero and MasterCard VP Jo-Ann Camacho (third and fifth from left).

What does it mean to be a Superstar?

 When the Superstar shoe was first launched by adidas back in 1969, the word ‘Superstar’ was unambiguous. Today, the word has been corrupted to the point of confusion. So this year adidas Originals sets out to question what it means to be a superstar.

For entertainer and creative, Pharrell Williams, the meaning is clear; “It’s not about the number of views, likes or shares”. While world-renowned footballer David Beckham decrees; “It’s not abouttrying to be the next big thing.”

Outfit Diary: Frozen and Hearts

 Last January 2, the fambam went to Fun Ranch, Pasig to spend the last days of Christmas vacay before school starts. And Sofi put these ensembles to wear that day. After she decided on what to wear she asked me if it's worthy of an outfit post. Yes, she really do support my blog. haha! I remember she even write my url to her classmate's notebook and told them to visit it. hahaha!

Staycation at SMDC Light Residences

Just wanted to share some photos that we took last January 1. And since I want my blog to be more of personal, expect more personal kwento and updates of what's happening to me and around me. :) Anyway, we spent the 1st day of 2015 at SMDC Light Residences at Boni where we rented one unit to avoid the smog (smoke + fog) due to firecrackers. It's a yearly tradition of my family to spend new year's day/eve renting a place for a staycation.

Join Brother 2015 Calendar of Me Contest from Brother Philippines

What a better way to kick off 2015 with fantastic prizes and freebies from Brother Philippines! With the Brother 2015 Calendar of Me contest, you can win your very own personalized photo calendar plus a chance to take home a brand new Brother printer!

The Brother 2015 Calendar of Me contest is open to all participants 18 years old and above. All you have to do is send in six high resolution photos (at least 500kb per photo) to the Calendar of Me 2015 Contest tab on the Brother Philippines Facebook page.

Highlights of my 2014

Can't believe it's 2015 already! Last 2014, we experienced a lot of trials and life challenges, also made new decisions, altered some plans, but also received so many blessings for me, my blogging, and for my family. Couldn't have it any other way. So grateful to have met new blogger and online friends. Thankful for the PR's who still support and trust my humble blog since I started and to new PR's who I met last 2014, hope to work more with all of you this 2015. To all the readers, supporters, online friends, who support all my social media accounts, thank you, thank you! You have a big place in my heart.

2014 was also the year I decided to be a lifestyle/mommy blogger. Since I started 2011, what I wanted was to blog for fashion only. But thank God for some opportunities and open doors in blogging, I was able to experience a lot of things and I'm grateful for them. I pray that this 2015, a lot of doors will be open for me and aside from posting/attending/covering events and brands, I'm planning to bring back my ootd posts (hope you'll look forward to it), and share some personal posts/experiences. Hope you'll still support me. :)

Check out some of the highlights why my 2014 was awesome..in blogging that is. :)