Readers Digest Trusted Brands 2014 Survey: WHICH BRANDS DO FILIPINOS TRUST MOST?

In an ever changing world of preferences, and with the ongoing shift in the relationship revolution between companies and their consumers, is there still such a thing a BRAND LOYALTY?

On its 16th year, Reader’s Digest conducts its annual Trusted Brands Survey in recognition of the companies that have consistently maintained excellent products and service to earn them a Platinum or Gold award.

LAMUDI expands in Asia

MAY 27, 2014: Leading real estate player Lamudi (www.lamudi.com) is expanding its presence in Asia, with the platform launching in Sri Lanka this week.

Lamudi is now available in seven new markets across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with launches also announced today for Jordan, the Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius and Zimbabwe.
This brings the number of countries where the platform is available to 28.

Lamudi is a global property portal operating exclusively in emerging markets. The company benefits from the resources and local know-how of teams in each of its countries, with support from global headquarters in Berlin.

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Paul Philipp Hermann, said: “Countries like Sri Lanka have the perfect trifecta for online property: each has a strong real estate market, growing rate of internet usage, and a young and vibrant demographic. 

We are expanding our presence in Asia because, quite simply, we could see a demand that was not being met. As more people in each of these markets switch online, they want to have access to the same resources that are available elsewhere. 

Whether its buying a house in Sri Lanka or renting an apartment in Jordan, Lamudi is helping to meet the growing demand for e-commerce in emerging markets.”

Wilhelm Hammes, Managing Director of Lamudi Sri Lanka (www.lamudi.lk)said: “Now is the perfect time to be entering the Sri Lankan market. The property sector has seen significant growth since 2009, as infrastructure has improved and investors have come back. 
We want to be there to grow alongside this thriving industry.”

Lamudi is already on track to being the number one real estate marketplace in the region. Launched just six months ago, the company now offers 340,000 property listings worldwide across its platforms.

In Asia, Lamudi is already market leader in two countries, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The company recently announced $7 million USD in investment for its Asian operations, including funds from the investment arm of international multi-sector retailer Tengelmann Group.

Founded in 2013, Lamudi is now operating in Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Sharp's newest Business Equipment Division Total Business Solutions showroom opens in Pasig

Change is always constant.
In one's business, specially here in the Philippines, some still has difficulties for change that is why some consumers favored the new ones.

Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth Philippines Gala Night 2014

A few days before the grand pageant night, Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Teen Earth capped off the exciting and fulfilling journey with a breathtaking gala night held at the Dusit Thani Ballroom last May 25, 2014.

WEN to be beautiful?

Women’s hair will get more beautifully awesome by WEN® Cleansing Conditioner.

Developed by Los Angeles based “stylist to the stars”  Chaz Dean,  WEN ensures that the Filipina’s hair will have the same Hollywood shine, shimmer and splendor.

Miss Teen Earth & Little Miss Earth 2014 Press Presentation of Official Candidates

The stage was all set for the 40 candidates of the Miss Teen Earth & Little Miss Earth 2014 that were officially presented to the members of Press, VIP guests , Pageant Enthusiasts and Blogger Friends during the Press Presentation held last Wednesday , May 21, 2014 at the Manila Pavillion Tent of Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati, Philippines. Of course, that glorious event was once again attended by yours truly :)

Fun With Philip airs June 14 on GMA NewsTv

After 2 seasons each of “It’s More Fun with Philip” and “Philip Lifestyle Guy” , the objective of making sure lifestyle is understood and appreciated by a wider audience has been started.
In the latest offering, “Fun with Philip” the agenda to help and entertain is pushed even further.
Chosen letter senders will experience the food, beauty treatments, fitness regimen, etc. that are featured on the show.

 More than this, contests both on-air and online via www.philipabadicio.com will give viewers more chances of enjoying the lifestyle features on the show.

After finishing college in U.P. Diliman, Philip and his friends setup Wild Life, a clothing store catering to cool high school and college kids.
One of the secret of their success is that they used the heartthrobs and sweethearts of the top schools. This marketing strategy was very successful.
The lifestyle editor of the Manila Times took notice of Wild Life and invited Philip to be a contributor.

With lifestyle news—food, fashion, parties, beautiful people, travel.
His job opened doors and several lifestyle experiences for him. “My network expanded and I realized I really loved lifestyle news and coverage,” he shares.

"Fun with Philip" is a show made for lifestylers.
As they say on the show, "mga Kapusong Lifestylers, we will give you the surprises for you to win the prizes!"
A segment called Kwentuhang Kumot, where Philip interviews a celebrity under the sheets as he or she reveals untold secrets, will be there. Philip will also bring the occasional American tourist, Jeffrey Whitney, around the Philippines so he will be obliged to speak Filipino and try the various food, culture and lifestyles.

Philip will be joined by his FunKicks, the sidekicks who will help provide more fun.
They are Lucky Mercado as the arrogant, macho man in “Lucky Strikes”, Madam Venus roaming the streets of Metro Manila and letting people try various lifestyle elements as she suddenly reads their fortunes in “Larangan ng Kapalaran”, Bryan Santos is a real fitness coach and will be the conscience of the show after too much eating as the “Exercise Expert”, and Hilda Ehrenberg will be the ditzy female model “Bru-Hilda”.

Philip Abadicio wants to make sure that we all have fun while living our different lifestyles in his latest TV show, "Fun with Philip", on GMA News TV every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00pm starting on Jun 14, 2014.

Doc McStuffins : It's check-up time! Event at SM Megamall

Fans of Doc McStuffins will be delighted to hear about this awesome activity brought to you by Disney and Toy Kingdom -
Doc McStuffins: It's Check-up Time!
With this, we'd like to invite you to try out the activities by the Doc McStuffins activity area happening this weekend (May 23 to 25).
Come in any time as the activity area will be open the whole day.
Go grab the kids and head over to SM Megamall and have a fun weekend with Doc McStuffins! 

20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever

1. Don't fall in love with your best friend..ever! - This is a bad bad thing.

First ever Miss Teen Earth & Little Miss Earth Philippines nears coronation night

The stage is set for the much awaited conclusion of the search for  young Filipino beauties who will embody and champion environmental advocacies as Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth Philippines move closer to the finals night.

Pre-finals activities like a one-day session with the Masters School for Models marked the final stretch of the finalists' journey towards the crown. The modelling school has been accredited for the success of many internationally acclaimed models today including Philippines' very own and Ford Models' Supermodel of the World 2011 Danica Magpantay.

The finalists also got a chance to be part of the Project Headshot Clinic wherein they were photographed , along with personalities from different industries like Lorna Tolentino , Liz Uy , Tessa Prieto-Valdez , Rajo Laurel, Robby Carmona, Alex Gonzaga, Elmo Magallona, Maxene Magallona , Louise Delos Reyes, Kris Bernal , Julie San Jose, Shalani Soledad, Senator Pia Cayetano , and 2013 Miss Universe 3rd runner up Ariella Arida, as part of an awareness campaign to promote Eearth preservation.

The top 40 candidates representing major cities and provinces, from all over the country, have been trained by renowned pageant experts and veterans including 2011 Miss Universe 3rd runner up Shamcey Supsup-Lee and "queen maker" Jonas Gaffud.

Miss Teen Earth and little Miss Earth Philippines is supported by PLDT HOME Telepad ,  the world's
first landline, broadband, and tablet in one.
During the finals night, a spectacular candidate will be selected for the PLDT HOME Telepad Choice Award.
The night's winning beauties will also take home a PLDT HOME Telepad subscription as part of the prizes.

The Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth Philippines 2014 Grand Pageant Night will be held on MAY 27 at the SM MOA Arena. Internationally renowned production group RUnway Productions will be in charge of the night's affair, while former University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe member Jeffrey Rogador choreographs.

The finals night will also feature top-caliber performers including Joey Ayala, Bayang Barrios, Gloc 9, Jay-R, La DIva, Kyla, and Hail Mary the Queen Children;s choir.
Beauty queens Shamcey Supsup-Lee( Binibining Pilipinas universe 2011) , Patricia Fernandez ( Binibining Pilipinas International 2008), Gwendoline Ruais (Miss World 2011 first princess) and actress Carla Abellana will host the star-studded affair.

A delayed telecast of the pageant will air on  June 8 at official TV partner GMA 7's SNBO.
The girls will also appear on Eat Bulaga, Unang Hirit, and the Ryzza mae Show.

For more details, log on to www.missteenearth.ph

Bankee Trading Inc. introduces cool and safe toys for kids

After having my birthday and Mother's Day celebration which fell on the same day, another post Mother's day happy lunch event for mommy bloggers from Ms. Monica of AbsolutelyMommy.com happened last May 13 and I was truly grateful to be part of it. 

1st Fun Ranch LAROLYMPICs 2014

Fun Ranch brings you the 1st LAROLYMPICS, a game activity for your active kids.
LAROLYMPICS brings you traditional fun by letting your kids play the best Filipino games we grew up with like Piko, Tumbang Preso and Sipa.

LAROLYMPICS is open to kids aged 5-10 years old.
Form your own group of three (3) team members, 2 kids + 1 adult or 3 kids.
Parent, siblings, cousins or best buddies are welcome to join.
Pre-registration is a must, no joining fee.
The event is on Saturday, May 31, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Fun Ranch, Ortigas.
Winners will receive medals from Fun Ranch, gift packs from Champs Chewable Vitamins and overnight stay for parents with 2 kids at Astoria Plaza.

Set aside those gadgets and let your kids be part of the first ever Fun Ranch LAROLYMPICS.
Call 470-9925 to pre-register.

The 1st Fun Ranch LAROLYMPICS is sponsored by Champs Chewable Vitamins for kids.
Special thanks to Club Astoria.

14th Segunda Mana Charity Shop Opens

The Donation-in-Kind Program of Caritas Manila, Segunda Mana opened its 14th charity shop last May 9, 2014 at the 5th Level of Metro Point Mall, EDSA Rotonda, Pasay City.

Rev. Fr. Roberto dela Cruz, the Archdiocesan Minister for Restorative Justice, graced and lead the blessing and ribbon-cutting of the newest branch.

Pre-loved items such as clothes, shoes, bags, toys, home and fashion accessories are donated by generous companies, organizations and individuals which are offered at friendly prices in Segunda Mana stalls.

It’s the mission of Caritas Manila to instil the value of giving as a way of life.
Through its pro-poor programs and efforts, they help sustain and uphold the organization’s mission to develop and empower the disadvantaged and the vulnerable.
Caritas Manila’s flagship program focuses on education for the underprivileged youth under its Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) which currently supports 4,000 students.
YSLEP is an integrated youth development program that develops the youth’s potential in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude and trains them to become leaders.
It utilizes training and formation that emphasize not just academic excellence but leadership while cultivating moral integrity and social commitment to the poor.

This is the 14th branch and the 12th mall-based store for Segunda Mana.
Other branches are located at Makati Cinema Square, Isetann Cinerama Complex, Harrison Plaza , StarMall-Edsa, StarMall-Alabang, Victory Central Mall, Victory Shopping Center, Victory Pasay Mall,  Farmer’s Plaza, Sta. Lucia Mall, Riverbank Center-Marikina, San Roque Cathedral and in Caritas Manila Head Office.

Metro Point Mall’s owners and management granted free space and stall for this program of Caritas Manila.

As Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Caritas Manila’s Executive Director puts it, “Buying is the new way of giving.”

Magnolia Chocolait Chocotastic Magical Surprise promo 2014

Magnolia Chocolait, your favorite chocolate milk drink, gives you a chance to win over 150 prizes in the Chocotastic Magical Surprise Promo.
You can either join by texting or via Facebook.
Magnolia Chocolait Chocotastic Magical Surprise 250ml 6-pack promo packs are available in Cash & Carry, Cherry Fooderama, Gaisano, Grand Union Supermarkets, Hi-top, Isetan, Landmark, and all Puregold branches.
Suggested retail price of the 250ml 6-pack is Php144.


For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaChocolaitPH 

Our Sofia the First Meet and Greet

For the nth time, I'm gratified beyond words for consistently including us to Mommy Bloggers Philippines' exclusive events and I must say , they are truly wonderful!

Luxury property stock on th rise in emerging market

Lamudi sees increase in luxury real estate on its global property platform

BERLIN, MAY XX, 2014: Property hunters looking for their own little piece of luxury should head to the emerging markets, according to global property portal Lamudi.

Movies for MAY 2014

Heads up dearies!
Check out these new flicks for the month of May.

MAY 7

MAY 14 

MAY 15

MAY 21

MAY 28

The Mind Museum bags International Award for Outstanding Achievement

Local landmark recognized as the first world-class institution in the Philippines in the 20th Annual Themed Entertainment Association Awards

MANILA, Philippines; xx May 2014 – The Mind Museum, the first world-class science museum in the Philippines, was recognized for its exceptional design and masterful execution of exhibits at the 20th Annual THEA (Themed Entertainment Association) Awards held last April 5 at the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California.

The Mind Museum is among 13 recipients of this year’s THEA Awards for Outstanding Achievement, bringing pride and honor to the country.
The recognition comes as a first for any establishment in the Philippines and for science museums in Asia.

Other recipients include Gardens by the Bay in Singapore; Enchanted Tales with Belle in the Walt Disney Resort in Florida; Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE, shown in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas; and Marine Worlds Carousel in Nantes, France.  Past years’ awardees also include Waterworld, A Live Sea War Spectacular, in Universal Studios Hollywood; and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter in London, to name a few.

Easy Chicken Recipes for Today’s Supermoms from Bounty fresh

Today’s modern moms no longer play the exclusive role of being a homebody.

Mother’s Day at Solaire: Choose from discounted room packages and dinner set menu

Mothers know best. But this time, Solaire has thought of the best for the special women in our lives. From the special discounted rates in the ultimate family staycation to the exquisite set menus in their fine dining establishments, they have made sure that this will be one unforgettable Mother’s Day.

Dine now at Movie Stars Cafe and get discounts!

Hey dearies!
Since it's my birthday month, let me spread some birthday love to my lovely readers and share the blessings.

Sofia the First: The Royal Meet & Greet

Toy Kingdom is highly honoured to present Her Royal Highness, Princess Sofia the First on her Royal Meet and Greet in the Philippines!

Spa Day for the Century Superbods at the Zen Institute

Twenty of this year’s aspirants to the Century Tuna Superbods Challenge celebrated their Spa Day at the Zen Institute in Quezon City as part of their pre-pageant activities.

The Official Candidates for Miss Teen Earth & Little Miss Earth 2014

The Search for Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth Philippines 2014

For over two months, they have scoured the archipelago in search of young beauties who embody the advocacies of conservation, preservation and protection.

Miss Teen Earth & Little Miss Earth Seminar and Webisode at Crowne Plaza

MISSION

Miss Teen Earth Philippines & Little Miss Earth Philippines aims to unite Filipinos in the conservation, preservation, and the protection of our beloved Mother Earth by promoting beauty queens, talents, and earth ambassadors in local and national sorts in improving the environmental treasures of the Philippines.

VISION

Miss Teen Earth Philippines & Little Miss Earth Philippines is the leading pageant that provides World Class Beauty Pageants for young women. With the heart of service, love, humility and the great values of non-violence, our advocacy being the preservation, conservation, and protection of our mother nature to help uplift the quality of life of each and every individual.

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria sponsored the seminar plus webisode shoot for girls entering the Miss Teen Earth and Little Miss Earth last April 28 and of course I was an eyewitness to such glorious event. 

*Press Release : Radio DJ’s join Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest Media Challenge Leg

The voices that people usually hear in the radio takes a break from their board work and battled it out with other DJs during the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest – Media Edition held recently at Yoshinoya SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.