Did you know that…

* Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas?

* 7 Filipino women die DAILY of cervical cancer?

* 2 out of 3 Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within 5 years?

While that may sound like a death sentence, IT ISN’T…..if we know how to harness our power over cervical cancer.

A Quick View of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. Persistent infection, brought about by human papillomavirus (HPV), a cancer-causing virus, causes cervical cancer. HPV infections come and go. Some clear up spontaneously. However, when the immune system is weak, HPV infections may persist and eventually develop into cervical cancer.

Who are at risk?

HPV is transmitted primarily via sexual intercourse and skin-to-skin genital contact. Those most at risk are young girls who had their first sexual experience at a young age; those who have given birth multiple times; have or have had sexually transmitted diseases; have HIV or has a weakened immune system; a smoker; used oral contraceptives for 5 years or more; and those who rarely or have not yet had any pap smear. The thing about this type of cancer is that it is a silent killer. By the time it manifests, the woman is usually in the late stage of cancer already.

The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) recommends that young girls get protection through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV through sexual contact. For older women, the risk of persistent HPV infection increases with age and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old.

Screening for early detection allows treatment to start much earlier when cervical cancer progression can be arrested. It is also so much less expensive than cancer treatment, which easily runs into hundreds of thousands of pesos at the very least, not to mention its significant impact on one’s permanent health and well-being.

Using your Power over Cervical Cancer

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has always pushed its advocacy to create cervical cancer awareness and it is doing it again in 2016 with its “You Can & You Will” campaign.

Cervical cancer survivors, including the mom of Andi Manzano (a well-known TV host and actress), as well as OB-Gyne doctors, are encouraging Filipinas to wield our power to protect ourselves as well as our dreams through early screening (recommended starting age is 21 years old) to detect cervical abnormalities and to go for regular gynecological checkups and doctor consultations.

The Q&A portion with the doctors was very educational for me. Here are additional, important things to remember, including the myths around cervical cancer.

* You CANNOT get the HPV virus by using public toilets. It is only transmitted via sexual contact or skin-to-skin genital contact.
* Wrong use of sanitary pads and pantyliners DO NOT also cause you to have the HPV virus
* Even boys/men need the cervical cancer vaccine because they can be HPV carriers or get infected by their sexual partners. HPV is associated with penile cancer.

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Power Over Cervical Cancer Facebook page (www.facebook.com/POCCPh) and the Pangarap Mo, Protektado YouTube page (www.youtube.com/ProteksyonPortal). These sites contain information and short films that convey how to protect one’s self against vaccine-preventable diseases like cervical cancer.

Question: If you could save up to 80% on body lotion, 60% on body scrub, and 55% on a hair iron, would you switch brand? 

I would likely consider it strongly. After all, as a mother with a large family and a limited budget, little savings here and there mean I can use the savings for other things or just keep it for a rainy day.

Watsons also aimed to answer this question as they conducted switch tests in major cities around the country with unbranded booths and making customers try out two products per category — a Watsons brand and a leading competitor. So we could experience the Switch Test ourselves, they also made us go through several brand tests at a recent event.

I went through 3 brand tests: for a toothpaste, a body scrub, and tissue.

I chose A – the bristles were softer and shorter (easy to reach teeth at the back)

I chose B – the grains were finer and smelled better

I chose A – it was stronger and harder to tear

It was so amusing that my friend Noemi and I chose exactly the same product samples. This isn’t the first time we have chosen the same things (or even worn the same color of clothes), haha.

Christian Bautista and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, two of Watsons’ ambassadors, chose some bloggers onstage also to try the tests, including some additional products like a hair iron.

Christian Bautista, a Watsons ambassador, talks about the Switch Test

Trying to tear tissue apart. He chose B because it was softer. It tore apart more easily vs A though.

Trying the body scrub. She chose A because of its scent.

Trying out the hair lotion. She chose A as it ironed her hair better.

Testing lotion. She chose A because a small amount went a long way.

It turns out that all the A’s were Watsons products while the B’s were leading brands. The bloggers, including us, chose a mix of A’s and B’s but it really did not matter. Because this was the point.

If you chose A, lucky you! Your first choice was also the more affordable Watsons brand!

If you chose B (the leading brand), that was okay too because it meant you had personal reasons to prefer it. However, you also had the choice to select Watsons products which were up to 80% cheaper on some items! This switch can happen if the difference between both brands is not so wide, making it easier to switch to the more affordable one.

The Watsons team and ambassadors

In the end, there are times when quality trumps savings. But really, does it have to be one or the other? Can’t one have the best of both world and have both quality AND savings? Watsons products say they can give you both.

Check out some of these Watsons brands that we tried during the Switch Test.

Watsons Milk & Salt Scrub

Watsons Slim Soft Charcoal Toothbrush

Watsons Velvety Tissue

Watsons Whitening Mulberry Lotion

About the Watsons Brand

Watsons is Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, currently operating over 4,800 stores and more than 1,400 pharmacies in 11 Asian and European markets, including China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau), Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

When a brand celebrates 25 years of existence in the Philippines, you know that not only are they here to stay but that they have grown and expanded throughout the years to provide even better options for their customers.

At a recent celebration of Masflex‘s 25 years of cookware and kitchenware innovation in the Philippines, I feasted on the wide variety of cookware that was laid out in a long table to showcase just how much Masflex cookware and kitchenware has already evolved since its humble beginnings in 1989 when it began with chrome organizers and nonstick fry pans with wooden handles.

That day, I arrived at the event quite early. Perfect! I had a lot of time to myself to check out the different cookware collections Masflex had developed over the years as well as personally meet Nancy Reyes-Lumen, Masflex’s brand ambassadress, whose name and face is very well known in the culinary industry and who, as we all know, comes from the famous Reyes clan that owns The Aristocrat restaurant. She actually approached me to say hi just before the event formally started (see why the early bird catches the worm?).

With THE Nancy Reyes-Lumen

Nancy Reyes-Lumen is the perfect Masflex Ambassadress. She fits perfectly into Masflex’s ideal for an ambassador — one who has a genuine passion for cooking and can relate to the wide demographic base of Masflex’s consumers. That’s not all. Nancy brings in even more to Masflex that makes her really shine. She is a home-maker, grandmother, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, multi-media personality, singer (Yes!!! And I have a video to prove it!), band member, home cook, restaurateur, commissary operator, food writer, editor, food stylist, food show host, lecturer, Filipino food advocate, healthy food advocate, food researcher and a true blue cook — all rolled into one. To top it all off, she has also been a loyal user of Masflex cookware and kitchenware so her endorsement cannot get any more authentic than this.

Nancy showed us different ways to use Masflex cookware to cook easy-to-prepare dishes. With some dishes, she was assisted by her group of “nanay cooks” and for others, select celebrities came up on stage to help her. I really enjoyed listening to her. I think her experience in front of the camera makes her so bagay (suited). She is funny, very casual and intimate, and her advice is super solid!

Enjoy one of Nancy Reyes-Lumen’s videos. I’m putting it here so I do not forget the steps when I try it out.

Here’s one for Braised Mechado

And look!!! Bloggers even got to do Pancake Art!!! Can you guess what that is? 

Using several Masflex crepe pans and plastic icing containers filled with batter in different colors, bloggers tried their hand creating pancake artwork that are candy to the eyes and yummy to the tummy.

In 25 years, Masflex has come up with a wide range of cookware that takes advantage of the technology of the times.

In 1996, Masflex added the colored non-stick cookware line. Today, you can go with their basic non-stick cookware or opt for their higher-end forged aluminum cookware with Daikin Japan non-stick coatings such as Ceramic, Marble or Stone.

Ceramic non-stick cookware

Up close — forged technology — a marble coated pan

Marble line of cookware

In 2006, Masflex introduced induction cookware as induction stoves came into the market. Masflex is the first to have a complete line of induction-ready cookware — from frying pans to sauce pans, casseroles, stock pots, woks and more specialized cookware such as crepe pans.

Induction-ready cookware

Ten years later, in 2016, Masflex introduced the Diamond line of cookware from Korea. We know how hard diamond is. Imagine that this cookware line has FIVE (5) layers of diamond coating!!! That provides superior non-stick performance! Aside from that, the handles of this diamond line comes with a Thermochromatic Heat Sensor on the handle — a first in the Philippines and serves as a guide to the cook when the pan is at optimal temperature to start cooking.

A pan with a 5-layer diamond coating

Now, Masflex also offers aluminum cookware that comes in both basic (3mm) and premium (5mm) encapsulated aluminum bottoms. This aluminum line is extremely durable, light, easy to clean and has a rich shine.

You can find more details about Masflex on these sites:
Website: www.masflex.com.ph
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MasflexCookware
YouTube channel: MasflexCookware

You can now see the world on ridiculously affordable prices as Singapore Airlines and MasterCard, together with SilkAir, the airline’s sister carrier, launch the largest nationwide Mid-Year Travel Fair from July 8-31, 2016. By availing of this promotional deal, you also get a chance to win a trip to Germany or South Africa. But I am getting ahead of myself….be sure to read till the end.

Singapore Airlines has always been one of my favorite airlines. When I was still in corporate, if I had a choice, this airline was top of mind in my choosing which airline to take. They had a very good safety record and customer excellence was par excellence. It was always a pleasant experience flying with them. Now, this experience is going to be even more affordable to travelers.

First things first so we get this promotional deal right.

This is going to be open to KrisFlyer AND MasterCard members only. 

If you are not yet a KrisFlyer member it is so easy to be one. Just go to krisflyer.com, register some details, and you are a member. As for being a MasterCard holder, most everyone with a credit card is, anyway.

Walking around the Singapore Airlines exhibits at our blogger event, this caught my eye — PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS. That’s an entirely new class recently introduced in all Singapore Airlines flights! When you travel, especially on long haul flights, it is those little extra touches that make flying a lot more tolerable and pleasant…like more leg room, a larger display screen, calf- and foot-rest, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance. Those are just some of what you get from Premium Economy!

The Premium Economy Class. My favorite feature? 35kg baggage allowance!!!

The Awesome Promotional Deals

When Singapore Airlines prices its flights, the rates are ALL-IN! That means no invisible costs, no surprises. What you see is all you pay. And….I was told that these promo deals still earn KrisFlyer miles that can count towards your next trip!

Promo Period: July 8-31, 2016
Travel Period: Covers all-inclusive, round-trip flights out of Manila, Cebu, Davao and Kalibo from July 8, 2016 to March 31, 2017

Imagine, for as low as US$ 180, you can already fly to Singapore (I am sooooo tempted!). And rates are even better when you book for two because on some destinations, rates are even lower for Two-To-Go.

ECONOMY CLASS promo rates (Click to enlarge)

PREMIUM ECONOMY promo rates

BUSINESS CLASS promo rates (Click to enlarge)

Singapore Airlines also announced it will  be flying TWICE DAILY to San Francisco and Los Angeles beginning Oct. 23, 2016.

How to Book Your Tickets

There are several ways to book your flights:

1) Online via singaporeair.com using your MasterCard credit card

2) The Singapore Airlines and SilkAir ticket offices

3) SIA Reservations at 756-8888, SilkAir Cebu at 6332-505-7871, SilkAir Davao at 6382-227-5301, SilkAir Kalibo at 6336-500-7226 or any participating travel agent

4) At the Singapore Airlines booth during the Travel Madness Expo on July 8-10, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center.

Be a Winner Twice Over with a Chance to Win Travel Packages

This promotional deal on economy, premium economy, and business classes makes you a winner already. But there’s more!

* A pair of Business Class tickets to Dusseldorf, Germany

* A pair of Premium Economy Class tickets to Cape Town, South Africa

The number of raffle entries earned depends on the ticket class:

Economy Class – 1 raffle entry
Premium Economy Class – 5 raffle entries
Business Class – 10 raffle entries

Start planning your vacation because these promo deals will go like hotcakes when it is launched in a few days.

Follow Singapore Airlines here:
Website: singaporeair.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/singaporeair
KrisFlyer website: krisflyer.com

The portal to a Vietnamese casual dining experience is in Metro Manila. Located in the Eastwood area, Annam Noodle Bar (Annam, for short) is right in the hustle and bustle of the residential and commercial area.

Annam’s origins are in Singapore (surprisingly!) where it is called Namnam Noodle Bar, after its owner Chef Nam Q Nguyen or Chef Nam. Here in Manila, known as Annam, the noodle bar’s concept is based on the original Namnam in Singapore — trendy Vietnamese cuisine. Annam is also the first franchise outlet, a clear sign of confidence that it will appeal to Filipino foodies.

Just looking around Annam, it was not hard to notice the merging of the old-world concept and the new. I learned this was done on purpose by the interior designers. The counters, where orders were being taken and prepared, looked somewhat like our old carinderia-style eateries in downtown Manila with food displayed behind glass. Even the tables were placed close to each other to give that tight, communal seating feel.

Food is displayed behind glass, typical of old-style Vietnamese food stores

Rows of spices and an old neon sign reminiscent of how advertising used to be in the 60s and 70s

And yet as I looked around at the decor, I saw the modernity in the lighting and decor. Industrial-looking light fixtures, beautiful murals on walls, and a giant TV screen on one wall, with what seemed like a Vietnamese documentary on loop, adorned the place.

A mix of the old-world and the modern world

Annam is a health-conscious person’s kind of cuisine. A lot of the dishes combine ginger, cilantro, star arise, lime, cloves and cinnamon – spices that are known to have some medicinal benefits. A huge plus is their NO MSG policy in all their dishes.

I was so happy to see a mommy and beauty blogger friend, Shen. She has been so busy with mommyhood that I haven’t seen her in a while. We took a table beside other bloggers and chose our dinner.

It was a good decision to order different dishes and share among ourselves. I was actually relieved I did not have to eat one whole dish by myself since I try to limit my dinner portions already and I wanted to try out as many dishes as I could. Here are the dishes we ordered:

Small Plates – These are dishes served in small portions. Perfect as appetizers or for those with small appetites.

A must try – Crispy Imperial Rolls, PhP 200

Caramelised Chicken Wings with Shrimp Paste, PhP 200

Green Papaya Salad with Beef Jerky, fresh herbs and peanuts, PhP 250

Hanoi Pho – A collection of rice flour noodles (called pho in Vietnamese) with intense broth boiled over 24 hours, garnished with fresh herbs and spring onions.

Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices, PhP 320

Viet Desserts – Favorite Vietnamese desserts, both hot and cold. The two that we tried below are popular must-try’s. Watch out when biting into the Crispy Fried Banana. It is quite hot on the inside but definitely a yummy treat.

Crispy Fried Banana with Coconut Sauce and Sesame Seeds, PhP 180

Chilled Dried Longan, Lotus Seeds, Water Chestnut, and Seaweed Dessert, PhP 180

Besides these 2 categories of dishes, they still have 2 others:

1. Banh Mi (or Viet sandwiches), usually toasted baguettes stuffed with savory meats, chicken pate, mayonnaise, hot chili peppers, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, and fresh cilantro.

2. Other Noodles – Other classic Vietnamese noodle recipes from Southern and Central Vietnam

Don’t forget to try their Viet Coffee Ca Phe. Viet coffee is dark roasted and brewed using top-grade coffee beans. I would have loved to try their coffee but I do not take coffee after noon (it keeps me awake). Just a note for caffeine-sensitive people — Viet coffee is VERY STRONG. I think it is even stronger than our local barako coffee so be forewarned, haha!

You cannot miss their unique beverage concoctions either. You can have Iced Soda Tamarind Drink with Peanut & Sesame Seeds, Freshly Pressed Sugarcane Juice with Kaffir Lime Leaves, Lychee-Pandan Iced Tea, Pineapple-Coconut Lime Iced Tea, Lemongrass-Ginger Iced Tea, or Mekong Fresh Young Coconut.

And there’s more to love. There are value meals at different times of the day.

From 10AM to 2PM, there is a value lunch set (for a limited time only!)

Click to enlarge image

From 2-5PM, it is caphe (break) time with a Banh Mi and Dessert at lower prices.

Click to enlarge image

About Chef Nam

Chef Nam’s story is quite unique. His first 7 years of life were spent in Saigon but his family had to escape to Denmark in 1979 during the Vietnam War. Despite growing up in Scandinavia, his parents kept their Vietnamese traditions, culture and food.

Chef Nam

Chef Nam began his culinary journey at the Copenhagen Culinary Institute. He joined the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway in 1997. He then moved to Michelin-star Le Canard Oslo. Two years later, Chef Nam joined New York’s premier Scandinavian restaurant, Aquavit, before he transferred to The Lighthouse, a concept in Singapore by the Les Amis Group, where he honed his fine-dining French cuisine. During his tenure from 2000 to 2002, Chef Nam picked up a Rising Chef of 2002 award at the World Gourmet Summit that year. His other culinary experiences include Raffles Hotel International in London and Bali’s The Legian Hotel. His last work experience before putting up Namnam Noodle Bar was with the award-winning luxury hotel, The Sukhothai Bangkok as Executive Chef.

Annam is located at Unit 1880-4 Ground Floor, 1880 Building, Eastwood Ave., Eastwood City, Libis. By end of 2016, we should be seeing another Annam outlet in the Resorts World Manila area.

Find Annam online here:
Website: www.namnamnoodlebar.com
Facebook Page: facebook.com/AnnamNoodleBar
Instagram: @AnnamNoodleBar

In celebration of its 3rd anniversary in the Philippines, Starbucks is launching on August 8, 2016 two (2) beautiful Starbucks cards that will showcase the rich history of the Philippines plus a Special Edition Siren Starbucks Card.

The two Philippine-themed Starbucks cards are the Manila Starbucks Card (available only in Manila) and the Cebu Starbucks Card (available only in Cebu).

Manila Starbucks Card

Cebu Starbucks Card

Inspired by “Summer Night in Manila,” the Manila Starbucks Card design focuses on the iconic Philippine commuter jeepney travelling the busy city at night. The colorful and intricate designs on the body of what is dubbed as the king of the roads in Metro Manila represent the vibrant culture of the Filipinos. For those in the queen city of the south, the Cebu Starbucks Card features the exquisite scenery of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and Mactan Mandaue Bridge as if viewed from the hilltops of Cebu that are decked with the Sinulog flower.

Both cards are available starting August 8 for an initial load of only PhP 300 each. Both cards also come with matching tumblers.

Aside from these two cards that portray Filipino culture, Starbucks is also releasing a Special Edition Siren Starbucks Card highlighting the Siren as the heart of Starbucks. It tells the story of Starbucks rich heritage, representing the brand’s loyalty to its roots as it evolves. This card is also available for an initial load of PhP 300 starting August 8.

Special Edition Siren Starbucks Card

A Starbucks Anniversary Treat

As an anniversary treat, customers who activate any of the featured qualified Starbucks Cards with at least PhP 1,500 from August 8 to 10 will receive a complimentary Starbucks mini green apron card carrier or any Grande handcrafted beverage.

Note: Qualified Cards are Manila Starbucks Card in Metro Manila, Cebu Starbucks Card in Cebu and Special Edition Siren Starbucks Card in all non-Metro Manila and Non-Cebu stores. 

Also, from July 26 to August 1, customers who reload their My Starbucks Rewards account through www.starbucks.ph/card with at least PhP 1,000 will earn three (3) complimentary Beverage Stars.

Many beauty tips say that one should be conscious of “aging” not at 30 or 40 or 50 but as young as one’s 20s. So true!

Just think…..why do some young women already look old while some much older women do not look their age? One big factor is how their skin looks.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body, covering our entire skeletal system. The extent of care we give it will show up starting in our 40s but we can minimize those effects if we begin taking care of our skin much earlier. We can prolong the suppleness and elasticity of our skin, prevent very deep wrinkles, lessen those fine lines around the eyes and mouth, and even keep our pores closed much longer.

In my yoga practice, we learn that what happens inside the body manifests outside. So aging skin is a manifestation of what is inside. Calcium deficiency and lack of collagen are just some of the culprits. Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc also on the organs in many ways. Chronic stress and rollercoaster emotions produce cortisol (a stress hormone) that contributes to disease.

I’m a golden girl and although I think I have been blessed with relatively good skin, thanks to good genes and yin yoga (which I believe is also good for the skin), I already see the telltale signs of aging. There are the lines on the sides of my eyes, especially when I smile. The forehead is starting to show wrinkles.  It doesn’t help that pollution affects the skin. So does sleep deprivation and diet. So as much as I try to take care of my skin, I know I need EXTRA help.

Watsons is helping women like us.

From August 4 till September 21, 2016, Watsons is holding a Kiss Aging Goodbye campaign where you can avail of discounts on anti-aging products. You will recognize some brands – Celeteque, L’Oreal, Ponds, Dove, Neutrogena, and many more. Of course, the Watsons brand will also be there with its beauty line as well as their generics. Some brands will offer topicals and creams while others will offer food supplements and ingestible beauty aids.

Some participating anti-aging products in Watson’s Kiss Aging Goodbye campaign

Patty Laurel-Filart, Watsons brand ambassador

Look at this new brand I found at Watsons — the Collagen brand. I was drawn to the ingredients which include collagen peptides – critical in maintaining the elasticity (and youthfulness) of the skin.

Collagen anti-aging line (this one I’m holding is their Corrector Cream)

We need to take care of our skin, no question about it. We can do that by changing our lifestyle, eating healthy, and living well. But for that extra help, anti-aging products will help. We can have them without spending on full price if we avail of Watsons’ Kiss Aging Goodbye campaign these next few weeks.

30 is the new 20; 50 is the new 40. In fact, with regular care, I believe that 60 or 70 and beyond can become the new 50. One can continue to look young with the right mindset and right personal care. Let’s do this!

Visit the nearest Watsons outlet nearest you till Sept. 21, 2016.

I am a coffee drinker in the morning but in the afternoon, when I want a hot drink and my body cannot tolerate caffeine after 12 noon, I go for very light tea. So, what a delight it was to be invited to a Starbucks event that was NOT about coffee but all about TEA!!!

Starting September 14, 2016, all Starbucks stores will be carrying the Teavana line of teas in hot and cold variants!

Bedecked in colorful hues reminiscent of its tea varieties, Starbucks Eugenio P. Lopez was the venue of the Teavana launch. Probably the most beautiful Starbucks branch I have ever been in, the Eugenio P. Lopez Starbucks branch was a beautiful mix of glass (to bathe the entire branch in natural sunlight), wood, and concrete with beautiful ceiling decor made from local materials to give a Filipino ambiance with a touch of modernity.

Awesome ceiling decor made of native materials

Beginning Sept. 14, 2016, Starbucks customers will be able to choose from among six different tea varieties depending on their palate preference. We were treated to a wonderful tea tasting experience, trying out both the hot and cold variants of the tea flavors.

Starbucks Teavana team represent!

Four of several Teavana variants that we got to try

Hot Teas

In this category, there are six different tea variants whose caffeine content ranges from zero to very light to heavy.

The lightest caffeine content (1-15mg) is Youthberry. Youthberry is white tea with a hint of rosehips and tart green apple. It is infused with a super fruit, acai, and blended with tropical pineapple and mango flavors. You may be wondering why the tea is reddish when it’s supposed to be a white tea (my question too!). That is because of the rosehips infused in the tea that gives it that color. White tea is not too common in the Philippines. In fact, the white tea I have here at home was given by someone who came from Singapore. I think this is readily one of my favorites in a light tea.

Youthberry (white tea)

Emperor’s Clouds and Mist is a green tea, harvested and grown on the steep, windy slopes of Huangshan Mountain, 3500 feet above sea level. This is also one of the lightest when it comes to caffeine content but has a richer body and a naturally sweet flavor compared to the fruity Youthberry. While it is also quite light in caffeine content (1-15mg), I found its taste sweeter vs the fruity flavor of the Youthberry. It will appeal to green tea lovers. Like me.

Emperor’s Clouds & Mist (green tea)

If you want more caffeine in your tea, try English Breakfast, a handcrafted blend of Indian Assam, Sri Lankan Ceylon, and Chinese black tea. This was the one that tasted most like tea because it has >41mg of caffeine. Take this tea with or without milk.

English Breakfast (black tea)

A caffeine-free blend that has a very strong herbal flavor is Hibiscus, a combination of papaya and mango combined with citrus lemongrass. The hibiscus flowers give the tea that slight tartness as well as its deep fuschia color.

Two other caffeine-free herbal teas are also available (in-store only).

Mint Blend – This tea’s mint leaves come from the highly sought-after and prized Pacific Northwest mint, known for its high amount of mint oil. Its spearmint base is rounded out with cool peppermint notes and untertones of spicy sweet lemon verbena.

Chamomile – This is the tea I’d recommend for you if you want to have restful sleep. I always have chamomile tea at home and now, it’s part of the Teavana brand as well. The Chamomile used for this tea is from Croatia and provides its soft, soothing floral blend.

For all hot tea variants, the prices are as follows:

Tall: PhP 110
Grande: PhP 110 (yes, same price as tall!)
Venti: PhP 125
Box of 12 full-leaf tea sachets: PhP 525

Iced Shaken Teas

These you have to try!!! Take my word for it! These are the best iced shaken teas I have tasted so far and I believe this could very well be my beverage of choice (Yes, I can’t believe I am saying this when I am usually a coffee drinker, haha!).

There are three iced handcrafted beverages to choose from.

(L-R): Matcha & Espresso Fusion, Iced Shaken Black Tea with Ruby Grapefruit and Honey, Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls

Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls

Hibiscus tea is combined with pearls of real pomegranate juice that burst in your mouth and give that tart kick of flavor. Pomegranate juice, by the way, is a great source of antioxidants.

Iced Shaken Black Tea with Ruby Grapefruit and Honey

This is a combination of traditional Western black tea with bites of pomelo fruit, grapefruit and honey for that added sweetness. The star ruby grapefruit is a good source of Vitamins A and C and is rick in bioflavonoids and antioxidants.

Matcha & Espresso Fusion

My personal recommendation is NOT to mix this drink when it is served to you. Instead, enjoy the 3 layers of fine matcha powder layered with milk and Espresso Roast by sipping carefully so that you experience the flavors layer by layer. Matcha is full of catechins, which are some of the most potent and beneficial antioxidants.

The prices of the two iced shaken teas are as follows:
Tall: PhP 130
Grande: PhP 145
Venti: PhP 160

The prices of the Matcha & Espresso Fusion are:
Tall: PhP 155
Grande: PhP 170
Venti: PhP 185

Teavana Promo

* Up to September 20, 2016, customers who buy any two (2) Starbucks Teavana Packaged Teas will get a complimentary Starbucks Teavana Packaged Tea of their choice.

* Customers can choose from any of the available Starbucks Teavana packaged teas on display.

* There is no limit to the number of purchased Teavana packaged teas per customer during the promo period.

* Whole Bean and Tea Star will be given for purchased Teavana packaged tea for customers who purchase using their Starbucks card.

* Offer cannot be exchanged for cash/credit or combined with other promos.

* Offer is valid in all Starbucks stores in the Philippines.

Teaching is a noble profession. Hearts, minds and character are formed by teachers.  Next to my parents, I owe a lot of who I am now to some of the best teachers I have had. They have not just taught their subject matter well but in encounters outside the classroom, they have shared their thoughts with me. Much of what I do now is inspired by their words.

To this day, we find inspiring stories of teachers who brave dangers, walk several kilometers each day, wade through rivers, and climb steep mountains just to get to their schools where children are eager to learn.

It is but fitting that we find ways to pay tribute to our unsung heroes who often stay unnamed. Nine years ago, a small group of PLDT executives met over coffee to discuss an advocacy for teachers that would become a catalyst for change in the lives of teachers. Gabay Guro was born and became the CSR arm under the PLDT-Smart Foundation. It continues to thrive on the spirit of volunteerism from its PLDT and Smart executives.

PLDT Gabay Guro executive volunteers Gary Dujali and Chaye Cabal-Revilla

PLDT Gabay Guro executive volunteer Chaye Cabal-Revilla tells us about the 9th TeacherFest tribute

Gabay Guro is a holistic approach anchored on the now famous Gabay Guro pillars: Scholarships, Training, Housing and Educational Facilities, Livelihood Programs, Broadbanding and Computerization, and Teachers’ Tribute.

In its nine years of existence, Gabay Guro has done the following for each of its pillars:

Scholarships – Gabay Guro has over 1,100 scholars in various state colleges and universities nationwide. There are over 300 LET passers, 496 active scholars as of August, 2016 and a projected 167 graduates in 2017. Gabay Guro also celebrates the fact that 137 scholars graduated with honors – 112 cum laudes and 25 magna cum laudes.

Training – Gabay Guro has partnered with local government units (LGUs) to further teacher education. The foundation has conducted training for over 16,000 teachers so far. Today, it runs eight training programs for teachers around the country, namely: Teacher’s Treasure Chest; English Proficiency Training; Computer Literacy; Emotional Intelligence; Teacher’s Armor; Leadership Training; IT Sustainability and Literacy; and Unleashing Creativity in Teaching. At the same time, Gabay Guro answers to the needs of the times by doing grassroots anti-drugs training in schools.

Housing and Educational Facilities – Gabay Guro has constructed classrooms in the provinces, mostly those that have been hit by debilitating calamities. Over 40 classrooms have been built and donated already in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.

Livelihood Programs – These are incorporated in the prizes given at the Teachers’ Tribute (see below)

Broadbanding and Computerization – All partner-schools are recipients of either computers/laptop or internet connections from PLDT or Smart.

Teachers’ Tribute – This is the annual highlight of Gabay Guro, held at the MOA Arena. This year, the Teachers’ Tribute will be on Sept. 25, 2016. Big name celebrities are donating their time for free to participate. Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Pops Fernandez, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Lea Salonga, and Sharon Cuneta are just some of them.

Jonalyn Viray, one of the performing celebrities at the Gabay Guro Teachers’ Tribute

On this one day, the teachers from all over the country get to let down their hair and meet the celebrities as well as be treated to a whole day of entertainment and fantastic raffle prizes that include house and lot and vehicle showcases as well as livelihood opportunities. These amazing prizes for the teachers are possible through several sponsors of the event like Perry’s Group of Companies (for the house and lot), Foton (for the Gratour Van), Intel, Devant, Motorlandia (for the Honda and Suzuki motorcycles), Ropali, Penshoppe, National Bookstore, Enchanted Kingdom, Splash, Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Mundipharma, Gardenia, Bic, Art Attack, Microsoft, Smart Bro, Ultera, Talk N Text, and 51 Talk.

This event is FOR TEACHERS ONLY and admission is FREE! Details about the Gabay Guro Teachers’ Tribute are on the following sites:
Website: gabayguro.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook/GabayGuro
Twitter @GabayGuro
Instagram: PLDTGabayGuro

My ice cream brand of choice — Baskin-Robbins— during the two years I was in the U.S. taking my masters just opened its 14th branch at B8, Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.

Families came in droves, both inside the Baskin-Robbins store as well outside, in a tent they put up right in front of the store, on Bonifacio High Street’s grounds.

For one day, October 1, ice cream lovers could avail of Baskin-Robbins‘ wide range of ice cream flavors for only PhP 31 all day. No wonder the lines were long!

My son was with me and we had so much fun trying out the different flavors. There was Raspberry, Cheesecake, Cream Brulee and more.

The day was filled with fun too as we were treated to a lively performance by the UP Dance Company, a meet-and-greet with the Baskin-Robbins mascot, photo printing, face painting, a special “Waffle Wonderland” booth where waffles were customized for customers in various shapes and colors, and ‘Fundae Sundae’ booth for sundae indulgence.

I still have to try their ice cream cakes as I just saw them from afar but I grew up loving another brand’s ice cream cakes so I am sure Baskin-Robbins‘ ice cream cakes will be great as well for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings, graduations, and even if there is no occasion!

Coolers filled with Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes!

Next time you are in Bonifacio High Street, drop by Baskin-Robbins in B8 (that’s right beside the VMV Hypoallergenics store).

Other Baskin-Robbins stores can be found at Uptown Place Mall, Central Square, and SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 2 and 5 in Makati’ 2F SM North, SM North The Block, Fairview Terraces and TriNoma Mall in Quezon City; SM Southmall in Las Pinas’ SM Dasmarinas in Cavite and Solenad in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

You can also find Baskin-Robbins at the following sites:
Website: www.baskinrobbins.ph
Facebook Page: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph
Twitter/Instagram: @baskinrobbinsph

Wheeeee! It’s finally here! Starbucks has brought its bottled, ready-to-drink Bottled Frappuccino to all its stores in the Philippines.

Now, you can bring out your favorite frappuccino  and carry it everywhere, even in the pocket of a bag, because it comes all prepared for you like the usual frappes, but bottled and capped.

The bottled frappuccino comes in two flavors: Coffee and Mocha. Each bottle contains 9.5 fl. oz of Starbucks brewed coffee and sweetened to taste like your usual favorite coffee or mocha frappe. Now you can store several bottles at home to serve to guests without having to run to a Starbucks store.

Serve chilled or over ice.

The post Starbucks Ready-to-Drink Bottled Frappuccino is here! appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

While we are a rice-consuming nation, bread is not far behind. Many breakfast dishes include our popular local pan de sal or some other types of breads.Just check out our local bakeries and you would find creative bread items such as baked siopao (siopao ingredients inside bread instead of a bun). Innovations can be found even with ensaymada, cinnamon rolls, and breads that incorporate local ingredients as filling.  Pilmico and Max’s Corner Bakery recognized how important it is to recognize and preserve the tradition of bread making in our culture. They teamed up to launch the Tinapay Natin Pinoy Bread Baking Competition,

Regional and semifinal rounds conducted around the country narrowed the search for the top local bakers to three finalist teams from Benguet, Cavite and Iloilo. I was able to catch the awarding ceremonies where the top three finalist teams faced off by spending a whole morning creating three (3) different breads  — traditional, modern, and new bread. Pilmico and Max’s Corner Bakery representatives acted as judges, together with celebrity chefs: Chef Boy Logro, Ambassador of the Mahalin Pagkaing Atin; Chef Jam Melchor, Founder of Philippine Culinary Heritage; and Chef Ed Bugia, Executive Chef of Pino Group of Restaurants and Backyard Kitchen + Brew.

The whiff of fresh bread hit me as I entered the room. I think, next to the smell of coffee, I love the smell of bread. The stage to the left had breads from Max’s Corner Bakery and baking products from Pilmico displayed in such an appetizing way.

All three team finalists spent some time talking about their own backgrounds. Most of them came from simple families and just listening to their stories about dreaming big truly inspired me. I think their stories gave the entire competition even more meaning because these bakers were so YOUNG but accomplished!

Well, after a lot of judging (and tasting!), the judges decided who the winners were. Here they are!

Second Runners-Up (Connie L. Tumpao and Paulle Jesrael S. Tam-awen, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet)

First Runners-Up (Johny F. Beria and Marc Kim Macasaet, Sisters of Mary School, Adlas, Inc., Silang, Cavite)

Grand Winners (Roy D. Tabocolde and Greegy P. Cabarrubias, St. Therese MTC Colleges, Iloilo City)

Of course, I was quite excited that the grand winners were from Iloilo City, my hometown! Roy and Greegy received PhP 50,000 as their cash prize. In addition, a public school of their choice will be the beneficiary of a feeding program and their bread entries will be sold at all outlets of Max’s Corner Bakery for 45 days.

I got to try the ensaymada of the grand winners and believe me….it was soooooo deserving to win the grand prize. The ensaymada was so soft, moist and rich!!! And the helping was so large that I really got to enjoy every bit of it.

The winning entries of Roy and Greegy are yours for the tasting too! Visit any Max’s Corner Bakery as soon as possible and check them out. I’m heading to one soon to get some more ensaymada!

The post Nationwide Tinapay Natin bread baking competition announces winning young bakers appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Astoria Palawan is taking work and play seriously. After all, whether you are a mere tourist on a vacation, attending a conference, or on a business trip, you need time out! Astoria Palawan recently announced the completion of two much-awaited facilities: the 1-hectare Palawan Waterpark and the Mangrove Convention Center. These two facilities, added to Astoria Palawan’s topnotch hotel-resort facilities, cater to the business traveler who wants to combine work and play during his stay. Calling it ‘workplays’ (a play on the word ‘workplace’), Astoria Palawan is a definite travel destination that no tourist or businessperson should miss.

All about Astoria Palawan

Located in what is dubbed by an international magazine, Travel and Leisure, as one of the  “World’s Best Islands”, Astoria Palawan joins the rest of the Astoria Hotel and Resorts’ growing list of properties strategically located nationwide.

The entire hotel-resort sits on a 5-hectare sprawling mango orchard in Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Princesa, just a 90-minute car ride from Puerto Princesa International Airport. One has the best of both worlds with a beach view on one side and a mountain view on the other.  The entire complex was built to blend in with the landscape, exuding a natural and rustic ambience.

The resort has 112 luxurious, spacious accommodations housed in 13 leaf-shaped wood cabin villas and two 2-story structures. Each room comes with individual climate-controlled airconditioning, LCD TV with DVD player and cable programming, electronic safe, personal ref, tea and coffee maker, and a modern bath/shower with complete amenities.

An infinity pool, with a separate children’s pool, with a view looking out into the sea, is one of the best places to relax and swim.

An all-day dining restaurant with airconditioning and al fresco seating serves guests. A musical welcome from the Batak Tribe, one of the last remaining aboriginal tribes in the Philippines, also awaits guests.

Mangrove Convention Center

More and more meetings and conventions are being done outside megacities and Palawan is a favorite destination. Now, with Astoria Palawan’s Mangrove Convention, this will surely attract even more such conferences. The convention center’s modern facilities are designed to comfortably fit small corporate meetings, celebrations, international conventions, and grand social events. The entire space measures 439 sq. meters, with a main convention hall that can accommodate as many as 450 guests. A foyer area with two function rooms feature collapsible dividers for cocktail or sit-down events with a maximum capacity of 200 persons.

 Palawan Waterpark

The sure crowd-drawer is the latest addition to Astoria Palawan — the 1-hectare Waterpark — a sprawling water wonderland.

There are 17 cabanas sprinkled throughout the waterpark, with picnic tables for rent, so that groups could stay in the shade while enjoying the view of the entire water complex.

All around the complex are different fun rides and recreation areas

Surf’s Up Pool – Right in the center is the surf pool that produces waves in 6 varying settings — perfect for swimming and enjoyable wave moments with family and friends

St. Paul River Ride – Named after the river of Puerto Princesa that made it to the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the lazy river goes around the entire waterpark. One can ride on inflatables and drift in shallow water all around the waterpark. What a wonderful way to tour the waterpark!

Velocity and Vortex Aqua Slides – These are giant slides. Three are velocity slides where you can take a straight plunge all the way down to the Surf’s Up Pool. If that is too tame for you, try the vortex slides where you swirl and slide down two separate corkscrew slides, each one shaped differently to give two different kinds of rush.

Batak Misters – These colorful and towering structures take inspiration from the Batak Tribe of Palawan, found in San Rafael. This tribe is one of the last indigenous groups in the Philippines. As you pass them, these structures spray you with water. Fun!

Marine Sanctuary – No, it is not real marine life but statues of Palawan’s endemic fauna where guests can take selfies and group pictures. Here you will find bamboo water cannons, jelly fish water geysers, Palawan crocodiles, the endangered Dugong (sea cow), and a blue whale.

Tumbling Buckets Kidzone –  Parents need not worry about their smaller children (6-12 years old) because they have their own little waterpark. The Tumbling Buckets Kidzone features smaller versions of the park’s slides, tube slides, a tumbling bucket of water, and a hoop spray tunnel.

Astoria Palawan also offers other in-resort activities such as swimming in Honda Bay, snorkeling in the house reef, soothing in-room massages, movie screenings underneath the stars, beach volleyball, golf cart rides, and mountain bike rides. It also has a game room with local Filipino board games and a karaoke room. It lives up to its name as a premium ‘WorkPlays’ destination in Palawan.

You can find Astoria Palawan at the following sites:
Website: astoriahotelsandresorts.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/astoriahotelsandresorts
You can also contact them at (+632) 687-1111 loc. 8302 or email sales@astoriapalawan.com.

The post Astoria Palawan: Your ‘workplays’ in Puerto Princesa appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Just imagine 6 different bazaars all in one physical space. It’s going to happen from November 18-20, 2016 at the Circuit Makati Christmas Bazaar. Do you remember the old Sta. Ana Race Track? It’s now Ayala Land Inc.’s newest land development. Just 10-15 minutes away from Makati CBD and Ayala Avenue, Circuit Makati Bazaar 2016 will feature several “villages”, each one with a theme. Whatever it is you plan to buy for Christmas, you’ll like find here at the Circuit Makati Christmas bazaar.

Here are the 6 villages:

Fit & Fab by Hunt & Gather – all things wellness, natural or organic

Project Mom by Bianca Araneta-Elizalde and Amanda Griffin-Jacob – mommy and baby stuff featuring a natural approach to motherhood

Li’l-preneurs by Hedcen – Kids aged 6-14 will showcase their unique products

Mercato Centrale – who doesn’t know Mercato, known for healthy and organic finds

Karl Edwards International and Kaisen Bazaar

Celebrity Bazaar – celebrities sell their wares

It is slated to be the biggest holiday bazaar this 2016 and for all practical purposes, you will want to go to a place like Circuit Makati and hopefully get your Christmas shopping done in just one place.

A recent media launch featured a lot of the products and services you’d find when the actual Circuit Makati Christmas Bazaar opens this Nov. 18 till the 20th. Check out the thumbnails below.

Hope to see you at Circuit Makati Christmas Bazaar! I will be planning a visit myself since I am already loving the wellness products and think most of my Christmas gifts will be along that theme.

The post Do your Christmas shopping at Circuit Makati Christmas Bazaar (Nov. 18-20, 2016) appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Are we taking good care of our breast health? We should. In my case, close family members have passed away due to breast cancer. One is still fighting it now. And just in the last couple of years, at least two good blogger friends also crossed over due to breast cancer.  October was Breast Cancer Awareness month and so I readily agreed to attend Health Cube‘s event to  find out what technology is now out there to increase the chances of maintaining good breast health and address breast cancer more effectively.

Health Cube’s Advanced Medical Imaging Unit is situated inside a “green-certified” building along Ortigas Avenue – BTTC Centre. Actually I am already familiar with Health Cube as I used to see it along Wilson Street in San Juan whenever I would pass the building and buy my organic food from a store on the ground floor. As they grew bigger, it was just a matter of time before they moved out of Wilson Street and into  Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, where they have complete laboratory testing services. Discovering there was a Health Cube inside BTTC Centre, specifically focused on medical imaging, was a pleasant surprise! The Advanced Medical Imaging Unit of Health Cube boasts of some of the most modern technology to check on women’s breast health (and much more).

The theme of Health Cube’s event was #FightLikeAGirl — so appropriate for us women who must really take care of ourselves first so we can carry on as nurturers of our families. First, we were treated to lunch and some short talks by special people – a surgeon and breast cancer advocate, Dr. Sherry Lee, and some breast cancer survivors.

Dr. Lee started with some Philippine statistics.

Who are at risk?

The following slides show who are at risk, according to Dr. Lee. Age, family history, personal medical history, early menstruation, late menopause, not having children before age 35 or at all, being overweight, alcohol, smoking, and prolonged use of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) are all identified risk factors. Even if a woman does not fall under any of the risk factors stated but is over 40, she needs to have herself screened annually.

Don’t forget! I’ve got a giveaway at the end for you!

Even if you qualify under one or more of the risk factors above, there is no need to panic because you can empower yourself by taking some actions. Here are some things you need to kow.

#1: Breast cancer can be easily addressed with early detection.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the earlier something can be done to treat it. It is the same with any disease. The longer one waits, the more serious it can be, with more complications, and surely more expensive to treat too.

Dr. Lee said that those who need regular checkups are those who are more at risk (see the slides above). Checking yourself is simple. It can be done while in the shower, lying in bed, or during a visit to your OB-Gyne. Here is an infographic of how to do it.

It is not complicated at all and can save you so much stress with early detection. Just think. Stage 1 cancer is obviously a lot more treatable than stage 4.

#2: Technology has improved considerably, making mammograms more comfortable and less painful.

When I last had my 2D mammogram, I stood in front of the machine and placed a breast alternately on a plate. The machine then pressed down on the breast as far as it could be flattened. It was not as painful as some other friends described it. Maybe my pain tolerance level was higher than theirs. But the mammogram results showed that I had dense breast tissue and results were inconclusive. I was told to take another test similar to an ultrasound to get better data.

The inability of 2D mammograms to detect dense breast tissue is now addressed by a 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram. This machine can view breast tissue in 3D, giving pictures of tissue from all angles. It can help identify and characterize individual structures without co fusion of overlapping tissue.

Also called breast tomosynthesis, this new technology allows the physician to see thin mammography sections of the entire breast and gives a clearer image. This often reduces or eliminates the need for further examinations. Imagine, this would have seen through my dense breast tissue back then if the 3D mammogram was already available!

3D Mammography is better at detecting changes earlier than regular 2D scans. It can help distinguish superimposed tissue from real abnormalities, leading to less anxiety for women whenever they are due for a breast examination.

#3: Health Cube in Ortigas Avenue now offers 3D Mammography as well as other advanced screening services.

Right in the heart of Metro Manila, along Ortigas Avenue, Health Cube offers 3D Mammography. The entire procedure can be as quick as 10 minutes and costs PhP 3,200.

Their other services include:

Bone Densitometry 

Also called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a Bone Densitometry is an enhanced xray technology that measures the strength of your bones. It can detect serious bone loss (osteoporosis). It is the standard in checking bone mineral density.

Mind you, this is not the kind of machine found in malls where they measure from your wrist or ankle. This is a full-body assessment taken lying down. This procedure is painless and non-invasive, takes about 10 minutes also and costs PhP 5,000.

When I did get tested at the malls, the tests would show that I am osteopenic (the result of an unhealthy lifestyle during my corporate years) but a comprehensive body check, like the one available at Health Cube, will either confirm it or prove these previous tests wrong. I need this test regularly to see if my osteopenia improves. It is so important to have strong bones as we grow older so we do not increase our risk of fractures that could make us immobile down the road.

CT Scan

I was so happy to find out they had a CT scan machine with complete support facilities at Health Cube. This actually solved one of my dilemmas. I hate going to hospitals unless absolutely necessary. Horror stories fill my mind, among them, catching illnesses from the “dirty air” in hospitals. And yet CT scan labs are located right inside main hospitals. With Health Cube offering the exact service offsite, my family can have any CT scan done more safely.

Join my giveaway!

I want to give one of you a chance to try the latest and most effective breast screening technology with a free 3D mammogram at Health Cube so you can really see the difference between this and our usual 2D mammogram tests. The mechanics will be easy.

1. This giveaway is open only to those living in the Philippines. Anyone in the Philippines can join but the winner must provide her own transportation expense to/from Health Cube Ortigas (only the 3D mammogram test itself is covered by this giveaway). Only one (1) winner will be chosen.
2. Follow my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/philippinebeat)
3. Follow the Facebook page of Health Cube Greenhills (www.facebook.com/healthcubephilippines)
4. Leave a short comment here or on my Facebook page (it must be a comment under the Health Cube post), sharing your thoughts on the importance of spreading awareness about breast health. Also include your email address with your entry so I can contact you if you happen to be our winner.
5. This contest begins November 2 and ends November 15, 11:59PM. I will close off the comments section here after that time and also announce the end of contest on my Facebook page.
6. I will select the winner and will announce it here on November 17 before 5pm. I will also email the winner privately for further instructions. The decision is final.
7. The  giveaway is non-transferable as far as my contest is concerned since I will need to submit the winner’s name to Health Cube. If, for any reason, the winner cannot take the test herself and wants to nominate another in her place, this should be arranged directly by the winner with Health Cube.

Take breast health seriously. Go for checkups regularly and in between doctor checkups, do your own monthly check.

You can find Health Cube here:

Website: www.healthcube.com.ph
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/healthcubephilippines/
Twitter/Instagram: @healthcubeph

Health Cube Greenhills Inc.
Basement 1 Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City
Tel (02) 650-1111

Health Cube Advanced Medical Imaging Unit
Ground level, BTTC Centre, 288 Ortigas Avenue cor. Roosevelt St., Greenhills, San Juan City
Tel (02) 650-2222
 

The post Get yourself checked for breast health at Health Cube (plus a blog giveaway!) appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Watch out! The 2017 Starbucks planners are here and more than any other year, they come with a splash of colors that make them hard to resist!

What’s new on the outside? There are two beautiful themes: the Siren theme has geometric patterns across the front and back covers in gold on a turquoise backdrop which remind you of the sea; the Coffee theme shows coffee beans and coffee mugs splashed across the covers in brown and orange hues. Each design also gives you two size choices: the regular planner size and one that is slightly smaller.

Let’s do some unboxing…

The planners are carefully sealed in boxes and shrink-wrapped. They look very similar so be sure that you are really getting the planner you want by look at the code at the bottom of the box.

For the first time since the planners were first offered some 12 years or so back then, the 2017 Starbucks planners come with their own themed pouches! You also get a Starbucks erasable pen with each planner! The Siren planner comes with a dark blue cloth pouch with golden mermaid scales imprinted. The Coffee planner comes with a dark brown cloth pouch with a piping hot mug of coffee in gold imprinted.

Baring the Insides

The different design covers are the only things different between the two planners. The pages are the same for both planners. Let’s take a look.

How to get the 2017 Starbucks Planner?
Here are the mechanics from Starbucks:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• A customer can avail of a Starbucks Christmas Traditions Promo card from November 2, 2016 to January 8, 2017 with no purchase required.
• One sticker is awarded for each Starbucks handcrafted beverage purchase. Holder must accumulate a total of eighteen (18) stickers, to redeem one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner.  The combination of stickers are as follows: 9 stickers from Holiday Featured Beverages (Toffee Nut Latte, Peppermint Mocha, or Santa Hat Dark Mocha) and 9 stickers from any Starbucks Core handcrafted beverage EXCEPT bottled beverages.
• Customer must present the Starbucks Christmas Traditions card to the barista upon purchase to get the corresponding number of stickers.
• In case any of the Holiday featured beverages are not available (ex. Toffee Nut Latte), customers can substitute it with any of the remaining holiday featured beverages (ex. Santa Hat Dark Mocha or Peppermint Mocha). Should all three (3) not be available, only then can customers substitute with any espresso-based or Frappuccino blended beverage of their choice.
• A customer must complete the required number of stickers to qualify for the redemption of one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner. A combination of up to two (2) promo cards will be allowed, provided that the 9 featured plus 9 core beverages have been purchased. Excess stickers for combined cards will be forfeited.
• Once all stickers are completed, customer must submit the Starbucks Christmas Traditions Card/s to redeem one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner from any Starbucks Coffee store in the Philippines.
• Tampering with and/or transferring of stickers to obtain the required number of stickers will render all promo cards null and void.
• Every purchase of a handcrafted beverage (including Starbucks Signature Pairings bundled beverage) using a Starbucks Card will be awarded one (1) sticker and one (1) Beverage Star. Terms and conditions that apply to the Starbucks Card are available on www.starbucks.ph/card.
• Single receipt bulk purchase of food and other retail items (merchandise, whole bean and Starbucks VIA worth at least ₱7,000 will entitle the customer to one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner. Combination of receipts is not allowed.
• Bulk purchase of gift certificates and Starbucks Card load/reload of at least ₱7,000 will not entitle the customer to a planner.
• The following transactions and discounts are qualified for this promotion:  Senior Citizen discount, PWD discount, VAT Exempt, Personal Cup/Tumbler ₱5 discount
• The following coupons and discounts are disqualified for this promotion: Service Recovery Coupon, Free Tall Beverage Coupon, Customer Voice Redemption, Starbucks Card Registration Treat, Starbucks Card Beverage Treat Redemption
• Promotion starts on November 2, 2016. Stickers may be obtained from November 2, 2016 to January 8, 2017.
• Redemption of the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner starts November 2, 2016 up to March 9, 2017, at Starbucks stores in the Philippines only.

Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 12857 Series of 2016

The post Sneak peak inside the 2017 Starbucks planners appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

It’s my favorite time of the year again — Christmas time! Starbucks holiday food and beverage items are here once more to put us in that Christmas spirit as early as now. Going by the Christmas theme: “Crafted by Hand and Heart“, Starbucks’ food and beverage choices indeed celebrate the treasure of creating by hand and from the heart.

Let’s start with the holiday beverages! There’s a new variant this year, making it three (3) holiday beverages in all.

HOLIDAY BEVERAGES  (from November 2, 2016 to January 8, 2017)

Santa Hat Dark Mocha Frappuccino

This is the NEW holiday beverage – Looking like Santa’s hat, this frappe is made from dark mocha topped with classic and strawberry whipped cream, strawberry drizzle and a dollop of snowy white whipped cream on top. I love the strawberry flavor so sipping this one was a delight and a strong contender against my holiday favorite — the next beverage I’ll talk about.

The Santa Hat Dark Mocha is available in hot, iced and blended variants. Tall – PhP 170; Grande PhP 185; Venti– PhP 200.

Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino

A returning favorite (awesome….because it is my holiday favorite!) is Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino. Actually, it has been a returning favorite for many years already, pointing at how popular it is with frappe lovers who also love peppermint chocolate like I do.  The Peppermint Mocha frappe is made from chocolate coffee with peppermint notes and topped with whipped cream, mocha drizzle and red and white candy bits.

Peppermint Mocha is available in hot, iced and blended variants. Short – PhP 160; Tall – PhP 170; Grande PhP 185; Venti – PhP 200.

Toffee Nut Latte

Toffee Nut Latte is steamed milk, espresso and toffee nut syrup, topped off with whipped cream and beloved toffee nut sprinkles.

Toffee Nut is available in hot, iced and blended variants.  Short – PhP 160; Tall – PhP 170; Grande PhP 185; Venti – PhP 200.

STARBUCKS HOLIDAY FOOD CHOICES

There are new feature food items for the holidays and there are returning seasonal favorites. Let’s start with the new items.

Chicken and Turkey with Cranberry Sauce on Croissant Baguette

This light and buttery croissant baguette is stuffed with slow-cooked chicken and turkey marinated in Christmas spices, thick cranberry sauce and sweet and salty apple stuffing. Best served warm.

Croque Monsieur on Croissant Baguette

This is a flaky butter croissant baguette filled with slow-roasted honey ham, Fontina and Emmental cheese, then topped with béchamel sauce and grated cheese. Best served warm.

Single-Origin Chocolate Cake made with Venezuelan Cacao Beans

Milky and light vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy milk chocolate and finished with milk chocolate frosting made with Venezuelan cacao beans.

Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake

Dark chocolate cheesecake loaded with chocolate fudge bar, roasted walnuts and chocolate chips.

Triple Chocolate Truffle Cookie

Delicious dark chocolate cookie that is crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Chocolate Cruffiin/strong>

Light chocolate cream makes a luscious filling for this muffin- shaped croissant. A sprinkling of cocoa powder completes this delectable treat.

Cranberry Bliss Bar

Made with sweet cream cheese icing, tart dried cranberries, chopped pistachio and then drizzled with white chocolate.

CELEBRATE THE RETURNING FAVORITES!

There are some good things that are worth bringing back over and over. We have here some of the more popular food items from last year.

Chocolate Toffee Nut Loaf

Moist and decadent chocolate loaf topped with chocolate and toffee.

Peppermint Brownie

Moist and chewy chocolate brownie with peppermint cheese filling and topped with chocolate ganache.

Gingerbread Cookie

A polar bear gingerbread cookie decorated with sugar icing.

Chicken Fajita Roll

A tortilla filled with mouth-watering Mexican flavored chicken breast fillet.

Chocolate Crepe Cake

Seventeen (17) layers of crêpe with Belgian chocolate cream in between each layer.

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If there’s one Kickstarter project that deserves funding, it’s the UPSTART board game for entrepreneurs. Created by Richard “D-cal” Dacalos and Ina Flores, UPSTART is “a board game that simulates the ups and downs of starting and sustaining a business”.

I had the chance to play UPSTART in a small gathering of friends and bloggers at a very nice co-working space in Legaspi Village – Acceler8.

What’s the UPSTART board game all about?

Most people in business will tell you to fail fast and learn. But failing in an actual venture is painful and costly. Bottom line, it SUCKS!

UPSTART allows players to actually simulate a business without all the real costs and risks of putting one up. Different boxes of situation cards are the spice of the game. There are SMALL BREAK and BIG BREAK cards which are gains and opportunities you get in business. MARKET SHIFT cards change the market scenario positively or negatively. Then you have BREAKDOWN and GOD’S HAND cards that are life’s uncertainties that could happen in a real business. LIFE cards are life situations that happen, like starting a family or getting sick. That does happen when you’re in a business, right?

So….How Is the UPSTART Board Game Played?

The UPSTART board game works like a printed role-playing game (RPG). You choose a background, each of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. A full-time employee, for example, would have a steady income flow but less time, while a full-time entrepreneur would have no income until profits from the business come in, but would have more time on  his hands.

You then roll the dice and navigate through the board while making choices and dealing with chance (that’s when the situation cards come in). The game involves two currencies: time and money. At every turn (equivalent to one business week), you have to decide where to put your money and time. There are choices like revenue streams vs followers; taking care of yourself and raising your vitality vs taking care of one’s family.

Noemi and I used our Prep2Prime Digital business concept to play UPSTART and got a lot of insights that I think would help us down the road. We only did the shorter route of the game (a little over an hour) although Ina told us the usual time it takes to get through the game could stretch to 3-4 hours. That may sound too long but I tell you, once you’re into the game, the hours will just fly by.

The creators of UPSTART are on Kickstarter, a fundraising platform, in order to mass produce the game and ship them worldwide. Their aim on Kickstarter is US $35,000. At the time of this writing, they still have 12 days to go and they are just under $12,000 but let’s push that up. You can do any or all of the following to ensure that UPSTART makes it to production:

1. Go to the UPSTART Kickstarter page and pledge at least US $68 in order to get the new and improved UPSTART edition.
2. Share their Kickstarter page with your family and friends and ask them to also consider pledging support.
3. If you are part of a school or company, share the Kickstarter page as well with your boss or whoever can make a decision to pledge support. The game can be played by students to train them to have an entrepreneurial mindset and companies can use these for their personnel development programs.

I don’t think there is any board game out there that has actually thought through the business process, risks, opportunities, and threats to it as well as the UPSTART board game. This game is playable by students, young professionals and probably even by long-time employees who are contemplating starting a business. I think even entrepreneurs will get a kick out of this and maybe still get some insights out of playing the game.

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