Samsung Galaxy Note Edge press launch

There's no stopping Samsung in releasing yet another high-end phone that will surely top all high-end phones! The wait is finally over as Samsung launches Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. You can now experience this new level of smartphone innovation where design meets technology.

With a 2.7 Ghz Quad Core processor, the Galaxy Note Edge runs on Android 4.4 (Kitkat) and comes with a innovative stylish design. It features a premium metal frame with a fluid curvature that seamlessly blends with the 5.6 inch Quad HD and Super AMOLED display. Its beautifully curved Edge screen expands user’s creative space and provides quick access to frequently used apps, alerts, and device functionality – even when the cover is closed – all with the swipe of a thumb. Users can also receive notifications directly on the Edge Screen while watching videos without disturbing their viewing.

Cordlife launches newly upgraded stem cell facility for Filipino families

Cordlife Medical Philippines Inc (“Cordlife” or the “Company”), a fully owned subsidiary of Cordlife Group Limited, a Singapore Exchange mainboard listed consumer healthcare company catering to the mother and child segment, announced the opening of their newly upgraded stem cell processing and cryopreservation facility at UP-Ayalaland Technohub, Quezon City. This expansion came less than 5 years from the opening of its facility in the country and was mainly driven by the growing number of parents who recognize the value of banking their baby’s stem cells in the country. 

The event launch held at Crowne Plaza in Ortigas on Nov. 18, 2014 was hosted by popular DJ Delamar Arias and graced by celebrity moms, actress and beauty queen Lara Quigaman and reporter/journalist Niña Corpuz. Delamar, Lara and Nina all shared their personal experiences of being Cordlife moms themselves. Also in attendance to underscore Cordlife’s commitment to Filipino parents and their children were Cordlife Group CEO Jeremy Yee, Cordlife Philippines Medical Director Dr. Arvin Faundo, and Cordlife Philippines Director Michael Arnonobal.

The event highlighted the five essentials of mother and child that Cordlife addresses through services. These essentials are security, expertise, investment, bond, and value for life. With the newly upgraded stem cell facility that can accommodate up to 30,000 cord blood and cord lining units, more parents can enjoy a sense of security when they bank their baby’s stem cells at Cordlife’s state-of-the-art processing and cryopreservation laboratory. Parents who banked with Cordlife can have peace of mind knowing that their baby’s stem cells are kept in a highly secure laboratory that was built to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8, and ward off fire with its fire-retardant walls. Furthermore, the vapour-phased liquid nitrogen cryogenic tanks used to preserve the cord blood and cord lining samples are not dependent on electricity, making them 100% safe and reliable in case of power outages.

Celebrity Moms reveal priceless gifts to their children

Celebrity Moms - Precious Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz, Niña Corpuz-Rodriguez and Delamar Arias, all share one thing in common with every other moms and mom-to-be out there. All moms will agree with me that our ultimate desire and wish is to protect and secure our child’s future. All three are also among the growing number of mothers who have made the life-saving decision to bank their children’s umbilical stem cells. And they came out to share why they made this choice during the recently-held launching of Cordlife’s new and bigger facility at the Crowne Plaza last November 18.

“I’ve come to terms with the fact that many things can happen to Cooper in the future, both good and bad like getting seriously ill. I want to make sure that I’ve done my part in guaranteeing that Cooper has the best way to cope. And since there are so many advances in cord blood banking and the service is already made available and affordable here in the Philippines through Cordlife, I just had to get it for both my children,” Delamar Arias said.

MTRCB formally launched its new infomercial

We as parents or adults, we have huge responsibilities to guide our kids in proper way of watching television. We tend to let our kids watch anything they want without checking if it's age appropriate, good for them for as long as they will not bother us with whatever we are doing at the moment. But things will start to change. 

This year marks the 30th year of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board or MTRCB. And to kick off the celebration of its anniversary, MTRCB formally launched its new infomercial last February 20 at 2:00 p.m. held at MTRCB Building.  Directed by renowned film and television director Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, Jr., DGPI and conceptualized by Mr. Erlito “Lilit” Reyes, the infomercial features actors-spouses Ryan and Judy Ann Agoncillo in a typical morning situation at home.  In such scene, their depicted child picks up a word from a TV feature and asks the elders in the house what it means.

Metascreen - your baby's first step to a healthy life

Nearly one baby every hour each day dies abruptly. An estimated 7,000 babies die each year without warning. Parents are left clueless after the death as the possible causes remain unknown even after undergoing autopsy. All because of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the unexplained death of babies usually occurring during sleep and striking under unexpected circumstances.

Even a healthy one-year old baby may be a victim of the condition which is often simply attributed to physical and environmental factors. Studies have shown that babies with physical conditions including brain abnormalities, low birth weight and respiratory infection have higher risk of dying an unexplained death.

That's why it is very important for expectant moms to know all information they can get and learn about the new method of screening test for newborns, the Metascreen.

Cordlife One Chance, One Choice

As mothers, you will do anything for your child.  Even way before they are brought into this world, your instincts kick in and you tirelessly worry about your baby.  You want to learn everything there is to learn and more importantly, you want to protect them from anything and everything that can harm them be it the common cold or a fever; and if you had your way, you would gladly get sick for your child.  And your anxiety is not without reason, since there are many childhood diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to children.  

Cord blood, gives new hope for Leukemia

A video of a mother from Quebec fighting against leukemia recently went viral in YouTube. Her desperate plea – to find a compatible umbilical cord donor, the only hope for her second battle against leukemia. Mai Duong, a 34-year-old Vietnamese-Canadian mother is among the many patients diagnosed of cancer every four minutes. Leukemia - cancer of the body’s tissues that are responsible for forming blood including bone marrow and lymphatic system is among the top eight common cancers in the Philippines. 

In 2005, the Philippine Cancer Society recorded 4,202 new cases, 2,243 of which is among males with 3.9 percent incidence rate while 1,959 cases were recorded among females with an incidence rate of 3.6 percent. With an average 5-year survival rate of only 25 percent, an estimated 3,498 deaths are expected with 1,863 in men and 1,635 among women. Normally, the body produces and grows the white blood cells in an orderly way. But for people with leukemia, their bone marrow produces white blood cells that are abnormal either in number or function. The symptoms of the disease varies from fever or chills, persistent fatigue and weakness, frequent or severe infections, unexpected weight loss, swelling of lymph nodes, bruising or bleeding easily, frequently recurring nosebleeds, visible red spots, bone pain or tenderness and excessive sweating at night. 

Piolo Pascual for Essilor's campaign for healthy vision

Essilor is the world leader for corrective lenses.  The success of the company, which is present in more than 100 countries, is the result of a strategy that has been driven by innovation for more than 160 years.  It has been awarded by Forbes magazine as “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” for four consecutive years. 

From design to manufacture, Essilor develops a wide range of lenses to protect and correct eyesight.  Its mission is to enable everyone in the world to see well using lenses tailored to their needs.  The company devotes 150 million euros a year on research and development to offer increasingly efficient products.   

Lazada's Mobile Power Sale

Are you ready for this? The biggest sale on Mobile Apps is happening tomorrow, Feb 25! Download Lazada on your mobile and get ready for amazing deals and surprise items!

Shopping online is certainly an efficient and effortless way of getting what you want, where you want it, and when you want it – or so most Filipinos think. But as the country’s biggest names in telecommunications strive towards improvement in providing mobile internet solutions – take the case of telco giants such as Smart - which just recently announced free internet to its subscribers, as well as Globe – which aggressively pushes its mobile internet bundles; it has become undeniable that M-Commerce (Mobile Commerce) has reached the Philippine shores in one way or another.

HOOQ debuts in the Philippines

The Philippines is now HOOQ'd Yes! HOOQ, Asia's video-on-demand service, debuts in the Philippines in partnership with none other than Globe Telecom. With Hooq, customers of Globe Telecom will enjoy unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movie and television content with the use of any device including computers, smartphones and tablets. Did I hear movie and tv marathon? Oh yeah!

Get Free HP color printer with your new Citi Card

Free HP color printer with your new Citi Card. Want to take home a Hewlett-Packard Deskjet1010 Printer for free? Follow these easy steps: apply online for your first Citi credit card at www.citibank.com.ph; once approved, spend at least P5000 within 60 days from getting your new card; plus sign up for a Citibank Online account and electronic statements. 

Shared Mission for Sustainable Living x Sachet Recovery Program

I admit. I was ignorant of this mission prior to the event. I didn't know that there is such program as this that helps a lot of Filipinos especially that help build schools, houses and even reach our Yolanda victims. And I'm glad I was able to attend and learned more about the Shared Mission for Sustainable Living held at Mandaluyong Elementary School.

Three industry leaders, Unilever, through its number one laundry brand Surf, Smart Communications and Cebuana Lhuillier have renewed their commitment to champion environmental sustainability.

Experience the Extreme at Tree Top Adventure Press Conference

On February 21, 2015, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tree Top Adventure will hold its very 1st press conference and media tour in which over twenty participants from the TV, online, radio and print industries will attend.

The program will be graced by Tree Top Adventure’s CEO Ms. Ma. Camille O. Montejo. A short program will be presented with a question and answer portion will take place first before proceeding with the tour in which the participants will try all the rides. They would also be trying the only motorized team building facilities in the Philippines.

Tree Top Adventure features six activities: two slow paced and four fast paced activities. One slow paced activity is the Trekking adventure in which you’ll be toured within the area. The tour guide will be introducing local plants and trees and share interesting facts about them. If one wants to see the forest and appreciate nature from the top of the trees, they could try the Canopy ride. The entire ride has a hanging bridge and five stations which can carry three persons at a time in which you’ll be transferring from one tree to another.

Camella's newest TVC captures Pinoy's hearts

The city’s fastest growing community for Filipino families, Camella has been churning out one gripping advertisement after another as they make it easier for Pinoys to finally own their dream home. First introducing the highly successful “Bulilit” TV commercial which hit everyone with its honest cuteness, Camella followed with “Bunk Beds” – a more emotional yet comical take on the Filipino situation that equally hits the nail right on the head.

This time, Camella comes up with another TVC – “Isang Sulyap” – a sweet, romantic story that starts within the bounds of the Camella community.

Isang Sulyap Story

The story starts with a wedding, a little boy acting as one of the priest’s helpers spots a little girl sitting in the pew. He smiles while looking at her, uttering the words “I do” beneath his breath while continuously gazing towards her direction.

Jack 'n Jill Champalok

Our favorite Jack 'n Jill has done it again! Introducing to the market is their latest tamarind flavored gummy candy - Champalok! If you're like me who loves sampaloc, this one's for you! 

This candy is packed with the same sampaloc flavor you know and love, but without the seed. Packed in a 20gm snack pack, this affordable P5 (SRP) treat can be enjoyed any time of the day, making it the perfectly on-the-go snack. 

Oral-B launched Smile Pilipinas

UP Dental Alumni Association (UPDAA) in partnership with global oral care brand Oral-B launched a program that aims to bring back the healthy smiles of Filipinos. Pinoys are known for their warmth and smile. I remember one foreign journalist reported that despite the calamities, disasters that we went through (when he was here), we Filipinos were hospitable and laging may ngiti sa ating mga labi. But there's an alarming results of study that revealed 9 out of 10 Filipinos suffer from dental caries and worse, the Philippines has the 2nd worst rate of decayed, missing and filled teeth in all of Asia. Yikes!

So I think the new project of Oral-B and UPDAA is very apt as they launched Smile Pilipinas. It aims to uplift the deteriorating state of oral health in the country. 

Globe Brastel Card launch

Good news to all Filipinos who works in Japan. Globe recently launch its partnership with leading Japanese telco Brastel - a reloadable prepaid calling card for domestic and international calls. It was developed for the 250,000 Japan-based Filipinos, you can now get in touch with your friends and families through Globe and TM users in the Philippines that are as low as half the cost of other offers in the market.

Adidas Originals launch Superstar 80s Pioneers Pack

Our favorite sportswear brand Adidas announced the launch of the highly anticipated Superstar 80s Pioneers Pack, featuring collaborations with creative minds, skater Mark Gonzales and designer NIGO. 

Adidas Originals Superstar 80s by Gonz

Mark Gonzales has always gone against the grain and blazed his own path. An innovator and an iconoclast, Gonz has redefined the ambitions of an entire generation of skateboarders for years to come. It is this hunger to create that inspired the Superstar 80s by Gonz. The all-white leather upper of the sneaker acts as a blank canvas for Gonz, who invites the wearer to leave their own mark and customise the sneakers with markers that comes packaged with the Superstar 80s.  

Shakey's celebrates 40 years of Good Times, Great Memories

This year, Shakey's Pizza will be celebrating their 40 years! It has been 40 years of good times and great memories. We've known Shakey's for their famous mojos! Who could forget it? It's my family's all-time fave too!

Celebrate Heart's Day with Baskin-Robbins sweet frozen treats

Perfect date for Valentine's Day! Head over and indulge to the yumminess of  Baskin-Robbins! 

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is offering guests a lineup of sweet frozen treats to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, including its February Flavor of the Month, Love Potion #31®. This beloved Baskin-Robbins classic flavor launched 21 years ago, features white chocolate-flavored and raspberry ice creams, a raspberry ribbon, chocolate chips and raspberry-filled chocolate-flavored hearts. Love Potion #31® can be enjoyed in a cup, cone, milkshake or two-scoop sundae. 

RACKS debuts new look

Did you know that Racks opened its doors in 1992? Oh yes! They've been operating for almost two decades now, and they recently debuted a new look when they opened their two new branches located  one in north and one in the south.

I was invited to check out their new Timog Avenue branch (their 15th store) and got to feel the cozier, homey, country vibe that Racks is trying to imbibe. 

RACKS' new look is inspired by southern country American life. Since RACKS stands for Real American Country Kitchen Style (bet you didn't know that. It was actually my first time to hear that there's an acronym for RACKS, hehe), the new interiors has warm tones accentuated by dark wooden panels. Stone bricks were also used as pillars and covering for the indoor grills to give them a more rustic feel. The classic southern country dishes that they serve they also want it to be reflected in their restaurants.

Join Fisher Farms’ #KungHeiLessFatChoi Online Photo Contest

Fisher Farms Inc., a world-class aquaculture food processor that supplies farm-raised seafood to major restaurants and food manufacturers here and abroad, is giving away an overnight stay at the Manila Shangri-La Hotel plus Fisher Farms goodies! Just share how you and your loved ones are welcoming the Chinese New Year the healthy way in #KungHeiLessFatChoi Online Photo Contest!

Here’s how to join:

1. Gather your family or friends to form a group. Groups may be composed of:

a) three (3) adults 

b) two (2) adults and two (2) children

2. Like the FISHERFARMS Facebook page.

3. Post a photo on the comment section of the contest announcement of how your group will    celebrate the Chinese New Year in a healthier way (e.g., you and your family wearing all red and biking together or having a healthy Chinese New Year meal). Make sure that you tag your family members/friends in the photo. Include the hashtag #KungHeiLessFatChoi, #GourmetBakedRelleno, and #Fisherfarmsph in your comment. 

4. ‘Share’ the #KungHeiLessFatChoi contest poster on your personal Facebook Wall.

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with Villa del Conte Amore Gift Box

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. So why not show your loved ones how you love them, appreciate them with a box full of Villa del Conte treats! Celebrate Valentine's Day with this heart-shaped box of artisanal chocolates from Villa del Conte.

Kapuso Cook-Off at Poetry & Prose Patisserie

I was invited to attend GMA Network Social Media Bloggers event held at Poetry and Prose Patisserie in Shangri-La Plaza. The invite said it's going to be a Kapuso Cook-Off, so I assumed I will just watch and take pictures of Kapuso stars doing the cook-off or cooking demo. But nooooo! Hahaha! Mas exciting yung nangyari, hehe!

The Kapuso Cook-Off  was a cooking match between 3 teams, composed of GMA artists such as Coleen Perez, Mayton Eugenio and Benjamin Alves. The event was hosted by Stephanie Sol.

Apl.de.Ap and Jollibee brings langhap-sarap goodness to Kabalens

Aim High. I think this is one of  Allan Pineda aka Apl.de.Ap goals while growing up. Not only he is a successful rap artist and record producer today, but he's now an owner of Jollibee. Yep, you read it right! I was invited to travel all the way to Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga last Thursday to witness the opening of Apl.de.Ap's Jollibee branch. 

It was his dream to own Jollibee one day, and that day came when after all his hard work, trials, and life's challenges (I watched his life story in maalala mo kaya), his perseverance, patience and firm decision to succeed prevails. He is now an owner of Jollibee!

Apl.de.Ap has embarked on a new project, one that would bring langhap-sarap goodness closer to his fellow kabalen. He formally opened his very own Jollibee franchise store in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga (along McArthur highway). 

UNIQLO launches Ines de La Fressange 2015 Spring/Summer Collection

UNIQLO today announces the worldwide launch of a special 2015 Spring, Summer collection created with Ines de La Fressange. UNIQLO Design Director Naoki Takizawa worked with Ines to merge her passion for the UNIQLO LifeWear concept with her style-inspired by refined feminine beauty and authentic quality. This is the third collaborative collection with Ines, comprising a total of 95 items in a wider range of fabrics (availability may vary by store). 

Promil Pre-School Gifted Movement launch

If you're a 90's kids, you will remember the gifted children TVC and you might be wondering now what they'll look like after 20 years.

The world has long been fascinated by prodigies—gifted kids whose accomplishments at such a young age, shed light to a child’s inherent talent, intellect and precocity. 

In the Philippines, perhaps no other personalities represent the concept and reality of what gifted children are than the three who illustrated it via one of the most memorable television commercials of the 90s—Kiko Galura, James Flores, and Shaira Luna.

But what has become of the three gifted kids featured in the brand’s most prolific commercial yet? The budding poet? The promising astronomer? The medical marvel? 

First of all, they’re all grown up now and second, their accomplishments as adults are just as impressive as what they were able to deliver as kids. 

Ajinomoto Umami Culinary Challenge x Battle for the Umami Bowl

I remember the days (single years, actually) when I don't know how to cook. But when I got married, I had no choice but to learn and try. We can't live through fastfood and deliveries forever. Haha! Ajinomoto products, especially the ginisa mix and crispy fry were my magic weapon in the kitchen.  And after almost 10 years of cooking for my family, they are still my my kitchen companion added with new products of Ajinomoto to make my cooking more easier but tastier. Every time I put meals that I cooked on the table, my daughter and hubby appreciates them. And I'm improving day by day. Thanks to Ajinomoto! 

So last week, thru Mommy Bloggers Philippines, when I got an invite to attend Ajinomoto's Umami Challenge held at SMX Convention Center, I got excited because I know that I will learn a lot and will inspire me to make and experiment more in the kitchen. It's the 6th year of Umami Challenge, but my 1st time to attend. Different schools and universities took the challenge and were present for a live cooking showdown using Ajinomoto products as part of their ingredients. And with the variety Ajinomoto products offers, the students were able to make amazing appetizers, pasta and different kinds of meals.

Ready, Set, Go at Infinity Nado launch

Toy nation unite! Another perfect bonding for parents and kids! The latest from toy-maker Auldey is making their waves in the Philippines. Infinity Nado takes gaming to a whole new level with its precision fighting tops that feature the latest in battle technology. Infinity Nado tops are designed using advanced physics that revolutionizes and increases game play and competition. 

I got an invite to attend the press launch of Infinity Nado held at 55 events place. Infinity Nado promotes non-stop, action-packed fun focused on battle, justice, & friendship. They're also based on a popular Anime series and is currently airs weekdays at 9:30am on TV5.

Be part of Manulife Philippines Bundle of Joy Community

As a mom to Sofi, nothing I want more than to secure her future. I know that it is every parents responsibility to give and provide a good future to our kids. And to new parents, the joy of preparing everything from the moment you learn that you're pregnant to giving birth, all you want is the best for your child, right? Let me share with you how Manulife Philippines can help you prepare a good life our kids deserve. 

Being a new parent means having your littlest loved one depend on you for everything. Their future is in the hands of their mom and dad. And to help expectant parents or parents of newborns journey into their new life stage, Manulife Philippines has now made life insurance more accessible through its Bundle of Joy advocacy. You can now build a more secure future for themselves and your family and be part of their community by signing up to www.manulifebundleofjoy.com.ph.

Expectant moms and dads, and parents of children under one year of age are entitled to a FREE one-year term life insurance coverage worth Php100,000. Furthermore, everyone who registers online can access good reads and helpful tips from experts, join various promotions and win exciting prizes and freebies.

19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival

 Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival marks 19th year, all set for another historic Weekend of Everything That Flies

The Philippines’ first, foremost and longest-running gathering of aviators and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe is back for another Weekend of Everything That Flies.

This year’s Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) is set on February 12 to 15 at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Uratex Plant Tour

Felt like a kid again when I joined the bloggers field trip at Uratex plantation in Muntinlupa. I've never been there kaya I was excited to check on how they maintained to be on the top of mattresses provider after all this years.