The Google Yourself Challenge

I saw this post, actually an infographic from one of the feeds from The Admaster. I instantly thought (by the time I read the post but was only able to post now...) to share to my readers as well, here it goes.

I also checked backgroundcheck.org's blog.

Vote for your Favorite Mommy Blogger!

This post is to show support to the mommy bloggers out there specially those that I read and follow and learn from--Rowena of Animetric's World, Neva of Manila Mommy, Fleur of Mommy Fleur, Michelle of My Mom Friday and Martine of Dainty Mom. To the mommy blogger nominees, hey mommies, I'm voting for you! Yun nga lang 3 of you in a day nga lang ha :) I registered and am trying to vote everyday also because I want to score an invite to the awarding ceremonies and finally have the chance to meet the mommies behind the blogs that I read *eyes closed, crossing fingers* :)

You too can also have the chance to meet your favorite mommy blogger. If you are a lady and a www.smartparenting.com.ph visitor, go check out this link or click on the image below for more info.

click for source

I'm Still Alive

Hello Everyone! I've been absent in the blogging world for a while. Don't worry nothing serious happened to me, I've just been busy with work, family and home. I'm still reading blogs but not commenting, liking, sharing, and posting updates. I'm also still in Facebook and Twitter. Recently, I've joined Pinterest but this one is not updated yet as I'm still getting the feel of the site.


This time, I hope to catch up and post regularly--I will not promise but will do my best okay. I'm hoping you would still read should I have new posts and feel free to comment. Thank you!

Golf Your Way to Father's Day at Marriott Manila

This June, we share our own fun way to uniquely indulge every great leader of the family—our dads! At Marriott Manila, we ensure that we’re the perfect venue to celebrate his life and love through golf.

Since it’s another event that deserves a grand blow out, food is always the first thing to consider especially for the man who takes time to enjoy family, hobby, and a good meal of course. If thinking where to eat on his special day, it would be great to consider a venue where dad can enjoy a hole-in-one treat from dining, accommodation, plus his love for golf!

Wake up the whole family a little earlier and head to Marriott Café for a taste of our most-talked about Sunday Brunch. Needless to say, there’s just something so endearing about a brunch especially at Marriott Café which has set the bar on the way we brunch—cozy, comforting, and basically has everything to satisfy an ever-fickle taste buds. For only P2, 500 net, the whole family is in to be treated with a spread that is purely gourmet. You cant’ go wrong with executive chef Meik Brammer’s 17 stations, featuring its newest additions such as oyster bar, chilled seafood, salumiere, cheese studio, homemade pasta, yakitori, Chinese, and tandoor. Plus, Cru Steakhouse also incorporates its specialties such as Angus beef rib eye, strip loin steak, grilled fish, squid and veggies--which of course, every meat lover dad should never pass up! If you’re family is a fan of big, tender, and tasty slabs of steaks, you must have heard about our Cru. Our well marbled, precious steak slices that are usually saved up for special occasions can now be gorged limitless and enough to suffice the price for this brunch. And who would’ve thought that a martini bar is such as pleasure to enjoy this time of they day? With these well-crafted cocktails and great mixes, it will surely set the stage for dad’s extra special event.  Plus, our chocolate room that spells decadence is brimming with assorted chocolates and rich cake choices is always worth saving up the space for. Whether it’s for the romantic mom and dad or sweet-toothed siblings, this corner is bound to let you experience a taste of heaven.  And if you haven’t tasted just yet our sensational homemade gelato, it’s the best time to savor every flavor,   especially the famous Ferrero!  

What’s amazing with dads is that, they love all sort of action-packed bonding experience, especially if it’s a golf game. That’s why while enjoying brunch, an indoor putting station awaits all families that is guaranteed to bring fun and can make any family closer than ever. Make sure to bring out the best putt for a chance to win Marriott Manila gift certificates such as overnight stay, Java+, Marriott Café buffet, golf lessons, and freebies when dad makes it hole-in-one.

But if your goal is to surprise dad with a most romantic kind of date, book for a Cru Steakhouse dinner. For this occasion, sous chef Redj Casanova takes it up a notch with a special Father’s Day 4-course menu: Crispy soft shell crab salad, cream of chicken veloute, grilled grain fed Australian rib eye or pan roasted salmon fillet, and dark chocolate soufflé with Bailey’s ice cream--all at P4, 000 net.  And since it’s a day to be extra lavish, might as well consider treating him with a wine-by-the-glass which can add a wine tasting dimension to a meal. With its welcoming yet sophisticated fine dining vibe coupled by Cru’s personalized flair of service, dad will surely feel an amazing king of the day experience that he’ll probably talk about for years.

Another hands-down way to reward a hard working head of the family is by taking him at the Quan Spa, where he’s in to experience a whole new way to wholeness and wellness. Featuring Pevonia Detox massage for only P5, 950 net, this two-hour treatment is designed for distressing, detoxifying, and toning while taking away toxins and impurities of the body. This revered treatment for two hours is using Pevonia’s seaweed wrap teeming with nourishing extracts, guaranteed to revive and refresh a tired body. 

A grueling first half of the year deserves a much-awaited break, and kicking back with your family sounds heavenly. Why not take them at Marriott Manila and avail of the mid-year bonus room package? For only P9, 888++ per night when staying for two nights, the deluxe room accommodation is also inclusive of buffet breakfast for two—and an extra 3^rd night for free plus a double Marriott Rewards points!

Who said that crafting a special event like this would be such a pain? At Marriott Manila, we offer a simple formula for an occasion that is worth remembering while getting out of the traditional.

For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City . Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

I need Techni-Ice!

I first learned about Techni-Ice from My Mom-Friday when Ms. Michelle posted an article about it on her blog. Of course instantly I got interested but because of budget concerns, buying the product was not my top priority then--I had a household to run and a toddler's needs to be catered. But because these past few weeks haven't been very good for me because of headache / migraine attacks, I now would like to have a pack of Techni-Ice to help soothe my headaches--my main reason why I wanted to have a pack for myself.


Before Techni-Ice I am actually seriously considering buying a gel or any ice pack available in the market. When I started having prolonged and/or sudden but severe headaches (I actually noticed this when I started working, I just can't figure out the connection yet), more often than not aside from medicine, i rely on ice to help soothe my headaches, I put them on my head and it helps me relax a bit. But then the hassle of using ice is that it melts and drips onto my pillow case and beddings which is one reason why I wanted to buy an alternative to ice. I learned from Techni-Ice's site that it doesn't melt so that's one good thing and it can be cut and folded according to the size that you need and you're comfortable using--with ice, when I'm at home and when with a severe headache, I still had to cut the ice into smaller portions for them to fit into the ice bag (we make ice on plastic bags instead of ice cubes).


Onto a lighter note, headache is not just the reason why I wanted to have Techni-Ice also because I learned it can be used in many ways and it can be used hot or cold!


We also use ice to keep our food cold in a cooler when we travel, that's when we go home to the province or we would sometimes bring freshly caught fish or produce from the province (Rizal province which is a 2 to 3 hours drive) back to Quezon City and mostly, by the time we arrive at our destination, the fish, produce, or whatever we have in the cooler is already mixed with melted ice (read: water). And for our hot food, we usually bring rice and viand when we travel from Quezon City to Rizal or vice versa and whenever we arrive at our destination, more often than not the food is  already cold and already with droplets of water at the cover of the containers (I don't know the term but you'll see them on the container cover whenever you put hot food inside...).


May I also share there was one time I purchased a vaccine from our company clinic and I had to bring that vaccine home so that my daughter's pedia could administer it, I had to find ice and the dilemma of melting ice also was there (just sharing!)--this is one good reason to use Techni-Ice.


I know there are lots of uses for Techni-Ice in our lives, I just had to discover more of them once I get to have one. I believe it's one good discovery that every household should have. You can check the Techni-Ice video below so you can see for yourself where and how you can use Techni-Ice.

My ZALORA Wishlist

I'm writing and sharing my wishlist almost every year for Christmas and for my birthday but this time I would like to share my Zalora Wishlist. For those who don't know yet, Zalora is a one-stop fashion online shopping site and without further ado, here are what I want (read: NEED) to have from their site:


First, I'm in dire need of new footwear at work and I want to wear comfortable footwear while i'm at work that's why I want this Otto sandals.

I also wear slippers while commuting to and from work. I live north and work south so that's a long commute--one of the main reasons why I don't want to wear high heels. A pair of black Crocs Carlie Platform Flip would also be good to wear when I go grocery shopping with my daughter Mia and also my hubby.

I'm not into jewelry (even fancy ones) but I would be happy to wear a new pair of earrings like these 3 rings intertwined earrings. Did I mention I like small earrings even if you don't see me wear a pair that much?

I only have one watch as of this time--the only watch I was able to acquire when I started working up to now :( I've always wanted to have a Timex watch, even in stores and during bazaars in our office, i'm eyeing this Weekender. I really hope I can buy this in the future or even now--only if I don't have other priorities...

We didn't really have a baby bag or a diaper bag since Mia was born and even up to now, we would use whatever bag we have to fit my things and Mia's things whenever we would go for a stroll at the mall or a visit to her pediatrician. I think even when Mia's already 3 years old, we still need a bag that can hold our things like this Lässig Casual Shoulder Bag. I think I can even use this for work :)

I know I already listed 5 things that I wish to have from Zalora but may I also add this orange Havaianas Top. It's been 4 years since my sister gave me her brown pair which I am still using until now but I know it wouldn't be too much to want a new pair right? :)

I'm crossing my fingers here, I hope I could win for me to have these very simple things... :)

All these and more, you can buy from www.Zalora.com.ph.

‘Gary V: On Higher Ground’ at Music Museum

GARY V opens the summer season with a series of 8 concerts at the Music Museum, marking his 29^th anniversary in the industry and the 25th year of his company Manila Genesis Entertainment & Management, Inc. Stricken by Type 1 juvenile diabetes for 30 years now, this unmatched performer has been a shining beacon of inspiration in the country and he remains complication-free and still, on top of his game. Gary has consistently inspired millions of fans through his craft as a singer, musician, songwriter, video producer, dancer, actor, musical arranger and a multi-awarded television host/performer for 9 years on the undisputed top-rating musical variety show, “ASAP.”

After visiting typhoon victims in Cagayan De Oro and Iligan for UNICEF,  Gary V jumpstarted the year with a new segment on “ASAP 2012” entitled “With Love: Gary V” – a spin-off of his platinum CD under Star Records and his much-talked about television special which aired seven times on ABS-CBN and MYX in 2011 and twice on The Filipino Channel. The segment features Gary as he showcases stories of love, forgiveness, redemption, and faith while he sings songs that celebrate the beauty and goodness of humanity. “With Love Gary Valenciano,” the CD compiles the soap opera and movie theme songs which he performed and recorded for ABS-CBN and Star Cinema. Just this March, Gary, together with the ASAP team, flew to Cagayan De Oro to shoot a video with a courageous flood victim for his segment. All these efforts let led to “On Higher Ground,” a fundraiser for UNICEF and the Shining Light Foundation, two faithful partners dear to Gary V, who has been National Ambassador for UNICEF for 14 years now.

In his stellar career, one of Gary’s most celebrated corporate relationships was with Coca-Cola with whom he had a contract for over ten years. Two years ago, he was tapped to launch their refreshing product, Real Leaf, and this year was invited again to record “Tuloy Ang Happiness” the 100^th Year official anthem of Coca-Cola with Sarah Geronimo and Someday Dream, with powerful appearances at the Gala Night at Makati Shangrila as well as the “Concert Ng Bayan” at SM MOA last March 26.

The country is excited for Gary’s much awaited return to the silver screen via an upcoming movie under Straight Shooters Media entitled “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” which he will star in together with Zsa Zsa Padilla, Eugene Domingo, Sam Concepcion, and Ogie Alcasid. He has appeared in 13 films for Regal Films, Seiko Films, Viva Films, and Star Cinema.

For his concert series at Music Museum, fans can look forward to witnessing Gary V in his best element as he performs his greatest hits as well as some of today’s hottest chart-toppers, party anthems, and homegrown favorites. Fans can also expect groundbreaking and pioneering technology and excellent audio-visuals through their corporate partners Videosonic and Soundcheck.

“I’m very excited and at the same time a bit nervous because we have come up with new routines and a lot of surprises for this series,” says Gary. “I am particularly excited for our opening production number. It will be awesome. I really hope it works the way I envisioned it.” Gary V will be performing with two world-class musicians, Awit Awards 2008 Best Female/Best New Female Singer Julianne and Juan Miguel Salvador, formerly of Rage Band and now the musical director of Authority, which represented the country in the 2005 Global Battle of the Bands in London.

“Gary V: On Higher Ground” happens at Music Museum on April 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27; and May 9 and 10. The show will be for the benefit of UNICEF and Shining Light Foundation. The show is supported by ABS-CBN, MYX, Smart, Soundcheck, Videosonic, Gold’s Gym, Aficionado, Coca Cola, Goldilocks, Lee, Universal Records, Star Records, Studio V, Essensuals Toni & Guy, Fernando’s, with media partners: Radio High 105.9, Crossover 105.1, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Tambayan, Magic 89.9, DZMM 630, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Business World, People’s Journal and People’s Tonight.

“Gary V: On Higher Ground” will be directed by Gary and son Paolo Valenciano with Musical Direction by Mon Faustino. Tickets are priced at Php 3,500.00, 2,500.00, 1,500.00, 1,000.00, and 500.00. For tickets contact Ticketworld (891-9999), Music Museum (721-6726; 721-0635), and Manila Genesis (706-2170 to 71; 0915-4975225; 0908-8871397).

Warning: Not Yahoo!

This is just to warn netizens and users of electronic emails (be it Yahoo Mail or not) that we are prone to being hacked or scammed if we are not careful and mindful of what we click or even share information especially via the internet.


Yesterday, I have received a phishing email. It's trying to get  information from email users though I could not confirm that much because I did not try to proceed upon seeing the address I'm led to. I am just concerned that some other users may also get the same message and be a possible victim. 


Here you can see, the email is from Yahoo Member Service but the email address looks like a personal one...

When you hover the pointer to the link, on the status bar below, you'll see that it's for a different address and not really Yahoo!.

When I tried to click on the link at first I thought it really is the Sign in to Yahoo! page and if I am not aware of the discrepancy on the address bar, I might have entered my yahoo id and password. Good thing I was alert on that!

Today, when I opened again my mail, this one fell on spam... again, I just opened the mail just to show you guys how it looks like and this time, it's from a different email address.

And for a different link...

Everyone, please be very careful with every email that you receive. Do not just give your information to anyone or even click to a link that you think is not safe. Be cautious.

Divisoria Fashion

My mom and dad went to Divisoria the other day to buy something that they need for the house but also made an unplanned purchase of Mia's dresses.

One of which was a pink and white chiffon dress.

A blue Dora dress.

And a blue and yellow striped dress.

They also bought the pink curtain at the backgroud.

Happy Sunday Everyone! :)

Being a Mom

I was reading Mommy Fleur's blog from her first ever post and one of the entries struck me right into the middle of my heart that I had to ask for permission and repost.


Dear friends, mommies, daddies, everyone, read this:

Being a Mom

We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of “starting a family.”

“We’re taking a survey,” she says half-joking. “Do you think I should have a baby?”

“It will change your life,” I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

“I know,” she says, “no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations.” 

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. 

I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable. 

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, “What if that had been MY child?” That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die. 

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of “Mom!” will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moment’s hesitation. 

I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. 

She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby’s sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right. 

I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy’s desire to go to the men’s room rather than the women’s at McDonald’s will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester be lurking in that restroom. 

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother. 

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give herself up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs. 

I want her to k now that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor. 

My daughter’s relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic. 

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving. 

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time. 

TRY NOT TO CRY…. 

I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts. 

My daughter’s quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. “You’ll never regret it,” I finally say. Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter’s hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

10 Looks for the Perfect Valentine's Date

Find just the right ensemble for that one special day at Unarosa


Whether you have a romantic dinner with your beau, a hot night out with your girlfriends, or a quiet get-together with your family penciled in on your calendar, there is only one thing that every woman needs on this one special day in February—a Valentine’s Day outfit that is fit for any of your plans. From playful pairings to elegant ensembles, Unarosa has put together 10 of the best looks to keep you looking poised and polished throughout any date.


A vintage-inspired frock or a polka dot ’60s number is perfect for a dinner at a kitschy restaurant, while a red-hot dress will surely turn heads at the hottest clubs in Manila. Dress up a chic jumpsuit with a bright, floppy hat for an effortlessly striking look, while pairing bright-colored shorts with a myriad of tops—from cut-out button-downs, sheer batwing blouses, to oversized knit sweaters—will be best for a more laid-back date. Whatever is on the menu, trust that Unarosa will make it easier for you to make the night even more special with these chic looks.


    

Date Night

Go from office meeting to dinner date with these red trousers, zippered top, and gray jacket

Tiered Zip Front Top (also available in gray) Php 1,290

Gray Blazer (also available in black and red) Php 2,750

Red Skinny Jeans (also available in violet, black, blue and gray) Php 1,890

  

Love Print

Don a cut-out button-down shirt and a flirty printed skirt for a fresh look

Red Cut Out Button-down Top (also available in gray, violet, yellow, black and blue) Php 1,460

Tribal Printed Skirt (also available in red) Php 1,160 

   

 Find Love

Play a little peek-a-boo with a cut-out sheer top and bright-colored shorts

White Sheer Cut--‐out Top (also available in navy blue) Php 1,160

Red Tailored Shorts (also available in beige) Php 965.00

    

 On the Dot

Don't late for your date—just finish off this polka-dot piece with a red belt

Black And White Polka-dot Dress (also available in black) Php 1,890

Red Slim Braided Belt Php 795

   

 Vintage Valentine

Let your unique personality shine in floral frock topped with statement earrings

Red Floral Button-down Dress (also available in blue) Php 1,760

Red Studded Belt Php 795

  

 Hot Date

Be the center of his attention in this red-hot number and feathered neckpiece

Red Pleated Over Lap Dress (also available in black) Php 1,890

Gold Feathered Necklace Php 835

   

 Black Valentine

The classic silhouette this floral tube top and midi skirt pairing makes can take you anywhere

Black And White Chiffon Tube Top (also available in brown) Php 965

Black Tulip Skirt (also available in violet) Php 1,590

White Braided Belt Php 795

  

 Short Story

Get ready for a fun night-out by playfully pairing a loose top with tailored shorts

Gray Knitted Top (also available in blue and red) Php 1,590

Red Tailored Shorts (also available in beige) Php 965

Studded Bracelet Php 535

 

Secret Love

Get a little mystery going in a deep-colored dress topped with a black cardigan

Red Jersey Dress (also available in gray) Php 795

Black Knitted Cover Up (also available in gray) Php 1,590

Gold Necklace Php 665

Red Braided Belt Php 795

 

French Kiss

Dress up a chic jumpsuit with a bright, floppy hat for a Parisian daydream come true

Black Jersey Jumpsuit (also available in violet) Php 1,890

Gold Tribal Necklace Php 535

Red Floppy Hat Php 835

Unarosa is located at 5/L Shangri-La Plaza, 4/L The Block, SM North Edsa, 2/L Annex II, SM Fairview, 2/L Bldg. A, SM Megamall, G/F Shoppesville, Greenhills, and L1 Marquee Mall, Pampanga.

For more information on Unarosa, log on to www.una-rosa.com. For more updates, like Unarosa on Facebook, www.facebook.com/unarosafashion or follow Unarosa on Twitter, www.twitter.com/UNAROSA_tweets.

WBFC #7

Hi! It's time to gain followers again! I know I haven't updated my blog lately but that doesn't mean i'm abandoning my blogs--no not at all; i'm just busy. i'll have time for blogging--at least once a week for starting over then gradually when everything's settled, then i'll be blogging away *crossing my fingers*


So now I'm joining the 7th Weekend Blog Follower Caravan hosted by Life According to Me where for this week we could gain email followers/subscribers yay! 

This week's edition is sponsored by M.O.M. and My Thoughts, My Heart, My Turf. Click here for the full mechanics if you want to join this week's WBFC.


Update [02/15/2012]: There was a problem with this blog's email subscription link and thanks to Mommy Vix Parungao for bringing this to my attention. For the mean time, please use this link in subscribing to this blog's email until I hopefully resolve the link problem or you can always click on the Feedburner chicklet on the right just above the links to My Other Blogs. Thanks! :)

A New Year -- New Me Giveaway Event

I've been busy with work and family life that I wasn't able to update any of my blogs... Good thing--there are 3 days left for you to join this giveaway that I sort of sponsored together with other bloggers :) yay!

A total of $100 prize at stake--winner can choose to receive the prize via paypal or as a gift card. Contest is open worldwide so hurry now!

Mia in Pictures: Train

This is my entry to the Week 23 of Techie She Weekly Giveaways. This week’s lucky blogger will win $10 Paypal credits from Borris of Snapshots as They Happen.


Here are some snapshots of Mia when I saw her one afternoon playing with connecting blocks. I didn't even taught her how to do what she did, she just called me to show what she just did. Then she told me "tain"! (for train) :) These were taken around November 2011 when she was still 32 months old--in less than 2 months, she'll be turning 36 months old (3 years old) already. How time flies so fast. Again, please bear for the blurry, grainy and dim pictures--these were taken by a phone camera (read: low tech cellphone).

That's it for now... more Mia in pictures to come :)