Truly Filipino: Titus Pens iDoodle Event

The Titus Pens iDoodle Battle of the Champions was a fantastic event. It had students from all over the country that were all determined to win. iDoodle was held last Dec. 18, 2015 at MOA at the activity area. The theme for the on-the-spot ballpen art contest was "Pasko sa Pinas".

 

The start of the event was heart-pounding as the drum beats filled the air. The dancers wore unique costumes that showed true Filipino ingenuity, as they had walis as head gear and has clothing accents, and even used the common bilao to accentuate the dance in a way that I have never seen before. A church choir sang Filipino Christmas songs and that, for me, truly heralded the season.

There were many activities for the guests. I was able to get to create cupcake art, and went around observing the other activities such urban sketching, travel bag design, and fashion illustration, as I can't draw very well.

There was a comic book artist that I got to talk to. I am quite interested in as my brother used to have a comic store and we have a collection. The guy was Harvey Tolibao, who is a Marvel and DC artist. I am so happy to have met him. We spoke about Whilce Portracio, the Filipino Marvel and Image comic book artist, and how we had a comic book signed by him - and yes, Harvey kindly accommodated my request to not just sign my bloggers ID, but he also drew the new Star Wars character!

When the drawing competition started, it was an amazing scene to see hundreds of students concentrating. I walked around and saw so many styles, some light sketches, some darkly shaded, and thought about how the varied the creativity of these kids was, which is one of the factors that would surely will make the judging by Nedalin Mirands of Senior Convention Services Officer, Department of Tourism, Hero Angeles, Andre Manguba, Lei Melendres, and Harvey Tolibao, very difficult.

The Winners:

Battle of the Champions:

Champion - Ely James Gumba (Cebu) - 91.57%
2nd - Joshua Villena (Batangas) - 90.50%
3rd - Artemio Bongawan Jr. (Davao) - 88.52%
4th - Marion Rustell Helicame  (Davao) - 88.52%
5th - Cris Legaspi  (Bacolod) - 88.42 %

Pasko sa 'Pinas

Champion - Kristopher John Paguirigan -96.67%
2nd - Jonel Belmonte - 89 %

3rd - Jerico Cedric Maravilla - 85.67 %

Hanns Duct Tape Product Review

Duct tape to temporarily fix a leaky pipe busted radiator hose or a leaky pipe? It has been done. Duct tape is has many uses with the primary purpose as a packaging tape. There are so many uses and people have made wallets and cellphone cases from this kind of tape, and even used it to upholster a sofa!

Hanns Duct Tape

Made by Miles and Levels, Hanns Tape has duct tape and other products such as electrical insulating tape and anti-slip tape. This specific one featured in this product review is a heavy duty packaging tape. It is made from quality materials, has a superior adhesive, strong backing and is durable. It is used to seal packages like boxes to secure them, for affixing and joining things like rods that have to be held together, and for protection of surfaces.

Product Testing

Hanns duct tape was tested on a leaky pipe.

This tape was tightly sealed inside a plastic cover so when it was opened, it was clean unlike other tapes that no wrapped in any form of packaging. It wasn't easy to open the packaging by just tearing it off, so I used a pair of scissors.

It was easy to pull up the part that was to be used, and wrapping it tight around the leaky pipe did not require a lot of tape. There was no sticky residue on the hands from the tape, and it effectively stopped the leak. After a few days, I observed that taped was still secured tightly around the leaky pipe, though it was a bit "bloated" and there was very slight seepage at the ends of the tape. Though there was still slight seepage, the major problem of leaky pipe was fixed. Hanns duct tape work as a temporary fix, and it has been over a week, and it is still working/

Many people, especially fixer uppers, do value duct tape, saying that is is an essential supply to have. I have heard stories about how this guy was able to fix a busted radiator pipe using duct tape, and it served them well until the nearsest gas station, and how duct tape was used to "repair" a leaky rood.

Hanns and other Miles & Levels Brands

More than just a packaging tape, Hanns duct tape can be used for minor repairs.

It does not have any residue as you can see in the picture above, as the adhesive does not show.

It is an excellent tape to own, and a must have in every household.

Hanns duct tape is made by Miles & Levels. There are other products such as the double side tape.

Miles & Levels has other brands to include Air Spencer, Red X and the popular Autogard. These products are available at most hardware stores, such as Ace Hardware.

Acceler8 Coworking: Wine and Cheese Event

Networking and chilling at a coworking space such as Acceler8 does have it's own rewards. To be able to hang out to meet new people, learn something new, collaborate, and possibly, find clients - it is a plus to be able to mingle with a business-oriented crowd. Going to bars means that there is not much business to be done as those places are for unwinding, so the wine and cheese event at this Makati coworking space did provide the right atmosphere to unwind with a few glasses wine or a couple of bottles of beer, and get to network.

Jan. 25, 2017

Broker's Night: Wine and Cheese Event

Acceler8: Finman Bldg, Level 7-1, 131 Tordesillas st. corner Bautista, Makati 

Acceler8's Broker's Night was a very nice event, and I got to meet a few people and chill. What I did miss, as I arrived at about 9 pm, was the referral program that was discussed, and I would like to go back there soon to find out the details. This Makati event space is great, though I was not able to check out the office spaces, from what I learned, the occupancy was very high, yet there is still space for individual coworkers like me.


Makati Coworking Space

Visiting Acceler8 was an experience, and the impact that it made on me was the realization that coworking spaces provide a community, that of freelancers and independent professionals, among others, who do want to focus on their being productive but also make time to take a break.

As many people do work online, be it full-time or part-time, the choices a year or so ago where to go, here in the Philippines, was limited to having a home office or going to a coffee shop - but now, there are coworking spaces that can be used by individuals and coworking spaces that do have rooms for rent, for 5 people or more. The rental of coworking space can be hourly, daily, up to monthly, and there are some that are consumable hours.

The advantages of using a coworking space is that it is an instant office. There is no need to shell out money to place a down payment or deposit for a rented space, no need have to furnish the place, nor pay for bills such as that of the internet or electricity.

There are other advantages.
Learn more by reading about the Positive Psychology of Coworking Spaces.

KPub BBQ The Fort: Chinese New Year Celebration

With unli food and live entertainment, the celebration at KPub BBQ The Fort was such a wonderful way to start the Chinese New Year. Located at 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, The Fort Entertainmemnt Complex, Bonifacio Global City, this buffet restaurant is also an event venue.

The Crib band - Blogger Claire Pajarillo Santiago

This Korean buffet restaurant that has a stage and big screen - is fully equipped for entertainment - and the good news is, that booking events in this place ensures a packed house as the unlimited buffet is one of the few that has every dish tasting great.

The grilled food is the healthy option and there are choices of what to indulge in, such as bacon, thinly sliced beef, and marinated pork. The unlimited food includes the fresh green salad, 6 kinds of appetizers to include the must-have kimchi, a clear soup, fluffy white rice, kimchi rice, and iced tea as the beverage. The price of the unli buffet is just about 500 for 2 hours, and that is a gastronomic experience, and there are other options to include the no limits buffet experience.

The friendly and highly efficient staff made the whole event run smoothly, as the unobtrusive service was that of a hotel, where your needs are met even before you request for service, such as the iced tea glasses being offered a refill before it is fully consumed, the delightful appetizers that are the exciting start and side dishes of a Korean meal set on the table, the crispy salad, and heart-warming soup - and to highlight the satisfaction of a grilled meal with the kind of rice that is so fluffy and white...

Bloggers Manfred Manalo and Tin Gonzaga

Friendly management team

Good Food, Good Reviews

When one of my daughter went to KPub BBQ at the Fort Strip, she told me that is was so good, and describe the place as a super win to eat at because of the unli buffet at the right price.

To consider the fact that most of the restaurants around the Fort area have high prices, for unlimited food at KPub BBQ is a practical choice to make as it is a complete meal. The place is large and seating may be reserved in advance.

For parties, and events, it has a large screen and a stage, microphones, and additional monitors at strategic places, a full bar, it does provide savings to dine and hold events here - and the good news is, there is additional fee to booking the place - just find out the details of what a great deal you can make by visiting the place or making inquiries using the information you can find at the KPub BBQ The Fort Facebook page.

Hapag Heritage Cuisine Restaurant Review

Heritage food served and prepared with hotel standards at the right price is what makes Hapag Heritage Cuisine a must-visit for locals, foreigners, and balikbayans. Located at 140 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, this restaurant is at the food street, with parking space, and provides a dining experience that makes Filipino food much better. The leveled up difference is seen with the presentation of the various dishes and desserts. The food is prepared using the true ingredients of the olden days, without the flavor enhancers that we commonly use nowadays, with the nutritional value and that golden, trigger memory taste.

Comfort Food for Filipinos

What is served is comfort food to Filipinos, as the beloved taste that makes us remember how our grandmother or other relatives use to prepare our celebratory special dishes and our every day meals. Hapag Heritage cuisine is a cut above the rest of Filipino restaurants as the hotel standards of food presentation and service is strictly implemented and the there are unique dishes that are a culinary discovery.

Watch this so temptingly appetizing food video!
Courtesy of the Hapag Heritage Cuisine Facebook page

Preserving Filipino Recipes

To serve heritage food is a way to keep our culture, and most recipes that are served at Hapag Heritage Cuisine has been handed down. Family recipes are made in the same way with an upgrade from the usual presentation of being served, as what you can expect is food that looks like it was made in a hotel at reasonable prices.

Affordable Filipino cuisine made according to heritage recipes 

Prepared and presented in accordance with hotel standards

Dishes that have the longed for taste because the ingredients used are complete, with no shortcuts in the food prep process, and the final dish presented is true to form, just what is expected such as the Kare-kare and the Crispy Pata.

There is superb attention to detail of the presentation, bringing the wonderfulness of home-cooked food into a higher level. Exciting dishes  have been developed, unique delights that have the visual impact and the fusion of old and new such as the Buko Pandan cheesecake.

If you are tired of mediocre dining, places where there is just good food, restos that have such a high price and such small servings, and want to enjoy hotel standard food in a relaxed, unhurried, atmosphere...

If you have been looking for a place to bring foreigners to try real Filipino cuisine, or balikbayan relatives and friends that long for the food that they miss...

If you want a blast from the past food experience, go to Hapag Heritage Cuisine.

Skippy's Bar and Grill: Australian Day Celebration

Going to such a friendly place that has so many things to do, is one of the reasons why I totally enjoyed the Jan. 26, 2017 Australian Day Celebration at the chill Skippy's Bar and Grill, located at the ground floor of The Forum, Federacion Drive, Taguig.

When I got there by 5pm, the party had started as many of the guest arrived early to be able to make the most of the "longest happy hour" price reduction on drinks. Us bloggers also had a enormous treat as we were made to try 3 of their huge drinks, like this pink margarita.

Skippy's bar also has a 15 pesos per buffalo wing promo which is available on Monday to Wednesday. These are big and filling, as all of their dishes and beverages are in big servings, and even their cocktail drinks have a super upsize for that party sharing delight. Their pizza crust is super thin and crunchy, and recommend the Cajun pizza as it has that kind of great spicy heat level. This restaurant serves lamb shepherd's pie, beef pot pie, sausages, and more as you can see at Zomato, and some of these dishes are fully loaded with a siding of mashed potatoe. The price is affordable and since the servings are large and the food is great - to eat there is a win.

What is nice about this bar is that it is a "let your hair down" place. Unlike most other bars that you would have to dress up for, here you can go in casual clothing and dance without shoes, as these Australians did to the music of Coldplay. The relaxing atmosphere of the bar adds so mush more to the fun ambiance, and there are other activities aside from the dance floor, such as billiards, darts, and live band music on certain nights of the week. This band was great and got us grooving to the music. To celebrate Australian Day at Skippy's Bar and Grill was, for me, the best real way to celebrate it, as it's like a home bar to many Australians.

 If you have been looking for a chill and relaxing place to hang out, with great food and fabulous cocktails, if you want a fun time, go to Skippy's Bar and Grill.

  For more information, visit the Skippy's Bar and Grill Facebook Page. 

Enter The Science Circus at The Mind Museau

Ladies and gentlemen, Science Circus has come to town!

MANILA, Philippines – Be ready to #EnterTheScienceCircus!

Science Circus: Step Right Up! is the 5th traveling exhibition of The Mind Museum,  supported in part by Mastercard, Limkaco Industries, Uratex, and Thompson Hardware and Lighting Center.  

The Science Circus: Step Right Up! showcases the amusing, the peculiar, and the extraordinary in our everyday experiences, in the form of interactive exhibits that deceive the senses and boggle the mind.

While the nearly 250-year history of the circus abounds with awe-inspiring demonstrations of physical skill – such as high-flying aerial artists, to death-defying daredevils – the Science Circus challenges our traditional notions of a circus by focusing on the mind’s “acrobatic” perceptual tricks.  

As the guests enter the exhibition, they are welcomed by a festive, colorful façade which sets the tone for the sights and sounds they are about to experience. These interactive exhibits are displayed simultaneously in three adjacent Rings. Guests can go in any of the Rings in the order they please.

Ring One, or Deception Perception is a menagerie of exhibits that will prompt you to question whether to see is to believe. Can you always trust your senses? Is what you see as real as it seems? Can your brain produce motion where there is none? Your first venture into the Circus will unveil the “blindness” of your mind’s eye.

Ring Two highlights Pieces of Incredible Engineering, where guests can engage their minds in puzzles and relish how math and art come together. This central area is animated by simple machines, and engages guests in activities that evoke their inner engineer.

Last but not least, Ring Three is Encounters with the Masters, where guests can interact with and learn the secrets of the Masters of Illusion. They can take on the challenges posed by each Master, and discover how our brains can be ensnared by smoke and mirrors.

Visit the Science Circus: Step Right Up! exhibition right now for another wonderful ride through the world of Science! To make it even more enticing, a special treat awaits!

Together with Mastercard, The Mind Museum offers something enticing for visitors! Use your Mastercard and avail of a 3+1 treat to any admission ticket to the Museum or its special exhibitions. See posters for full details. Until December 30, 2016 only. 

The Science Circus: Step Right Up! exhibition vividly illustrates how our everyday experiences are full of delightful secrets that we can uncover, to discover more about ourselves and the world around us.  Let’s all have fun together! See you there!

#EnterTheScienceCircus

#TheMindMuseum

*The Mind Museum’s traveling exhibition Science Circus will be on display in the Museum for a limited run, until January 31, 2017 only. The exhibition aims to travel to cities and provinces around the country as part of The Mind Museum’s mission to bring science closer to the general public.

Entrance Fees:

Science Circus* only

P200 / head                   Adults or Child                            

The Mind Museum (3-hour tour) + Science Circus

P750                               Adults

P650                               Child/Student (up to college)     

Kids below two feet are Free.

*Enjoy Science Circus exhibition for 90 minutes choosing from these timeslots:

9am-1030am  |  1030am-12nn  |  12nn-130pm  |  130pm-3pm  |  3pm-430pm  |  430pm-6pm

Limited capacity. Guests are welcomed on a first come, first served basis.

Limited Offer:

Together with Mastercard, The Mind Museum offers something enticing for visitors! Use your Mastercard and avail of a 3+1 treat to any admission ticket to the Museum or its special exhibitions. See posters for full details. Until December 30, 2016 only. 

The Mind Museum Operating Hours

9:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesdays to Sundays.

CLOSED on Mondays.

For more information or for interested parties who would want to host this exhibition, please contact:

Email:  inquiry@themindmuseum.org

Website: www.themindmuseum.org

Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram: themindmuseum

SUN Life Financial Asia Health Index reveals Philippines the highest in Asia for lack of exercise

The Philippines tops the list of countries in Asia where people don't exercise regularly, according to this year's Sun Life Financial Asia health Index.

The Philippines tied with Thailand and Malaysia on the list, with 61% of the population in each of the three countries not engaging in any regular physical activity. Asked to identify the barriers to living a healthier lifestyle, 57% of Filipinos blamed it on their lack of time due to work, 47% admitted that it is due to "lack of personal motivation," while 47% also identified "distractions of modern life." Other key barriers named were cost (45%) and the lack of accessible venues to engage in sports and recreation (36%).

With the aforementioned findings, it appears that the population dubbed "Generation O" still exists.

Composed of individuals who are overworked, overweight and overwhelmed, "Generation O" is a segment of the population first identified in the 2014 survey of the Sun Life Financial Asia health Index. The latest study finds Generation O continuing to struggle with their health goals.

But there is hope...

The Asia health Index also showed that Filipinos are still very positive about the state of their health. In fact, the Philippines scored the highest of all the markets surveyed on the overall Health Index, garnering a score of 89. Respondents from the Philippines were the most positives ion Asia about their emotional health, wherein they were the most likely in the region to say that their emotional health is "good" or "extremely good," and was second most positive in the region (behind Indonesia) when it comes to their physical health.

"With all the things that demand our time and attention, it's usually our health that suffers because it's relegated to the least of our priorities. However, this should not be the case," SLAMCI President Riza Mantaring said. "This is why we, at Sun Life have been boosting our suite of wellness products and mounting events that would help Filipinos to pursue their health goals."

Image Credits: www.sunlife.com.ph

Sun Life recently launched SUN Fit and Well, a new generation wellness product that offers comprehensive life and health protection from childhood all the way to the golden years. While most products offer benefits only when an illness strikes, SUN Fit and Well covers needs from prevention, to diagnosis, to treatment and all the way to rehabilitation.

 
For prevention, SUN Fit and Well provides access to GoWell, Sun Life's wellness program where members can enjoy special privileges that will help them keep mind and body fit. This includes easy access and wellness information, fitness and wellness events, nutrition and health experts, and more.


"Sun Life remains committed to helping Filipinos face a brighter tomorrow by being in the best of health," Mantaring added. "The results of the Asia Health Index reiterate the need to promote a healthier lifestyle, and Sun Life wants to be Filipinos' partner in pursuing this journey."


The Sun Life Financial Asia Health Index is a periodic study of health trends in Asia that was launched in 2014. The research is based on the findings of an Ipsos survey conducted in August 2016. A sample of just 4000 Asians from 25 to 60 years of age and with middle class incomes was interviewed online from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The survey questioned respondents on their attitudes towards healthy and active living, their health concerns for the future and expectations on access to healthcare.


About SUN LIFE Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial and its partners have operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United states, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of CAD $208 Billion.  

Novuhair Encourages You to Understand Your Hair

Other than your face, your hair is one of the first thing that other people notices - and this is very reason is why most people take extra effort in caring for their mane... but are you doing enough?

A hair salon is one of the usual places that a person would go to whenever they need to have their hair fixed, this is typical if you just need a relief from a bad hair day or to mend your split ends. What if your hair needs a more extensive solution such as for your hair loss?

Several factors can cause hair loss and understanding your lifestyle pattern may help remedy your condition.

• ·        Stress is the most common factor in temporary hair loss.
• ·        Incorrect use of hair products with harmful chemicals
• ·        Childbirth also causes temporary hair loss
• ·        Cosmetic procedures such as Rebonding, Perming, Bleaching and Dyeing
• ·        Autoimmune diseases such as Alopecia.
• ·        Medical treatment such as chemotherapy and Beta-blockers
• ·        Medical conditions such as Lupus, Diabetes, Anorexia and Anemia can also cause hair loss

Say goodbye to hair loss and scalp problems with Novuhair, nature's answer to hair loss.  

Novuhair is made with 19 natural ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint and almost 100% natural.

Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching. It also penetrates deep to rejuvenate the hair follicles, provides optimum nutrition to help combat hair loss and/or thinning of hair, improves blood circulation in the scalp which contributes to the stimulation of hair growth.

This new year, give your hair a resolution and have your hair and scalp analyzed in order to check for problems. 

Novuhair, is offering a series of free hair and scalp analysis at various locations, check their monthly schedule at www.novuhair.com, Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/NovuhairOfficial  , Instagram: @NovuhairOfficial or on Twitter: @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For online purchases, visit Lazada.com.ph and regaloservice.com.