How to have a smart baby: three simple things you can do for your child’s brain development during pregnancy

As an expectant mom, you want the best for your baby. That is why you do everything you can to ensure your baby’s health. But did you know that you could do a lot of things that can help give your baby a bright tomorrow?

While your child is yet to be born, your pregnancy is a crucial time in his or her life. In fact, the World Health Organization says that the first 1000 days of your baby’s life, starting with the 270 days of pregnancy and first two years of a child’s life, is an optimum period to building a strong foundation for their health, growth, and ability to learn in the future.

Take these three simple steps to help promote proper brain growth and development of your baby while in the womb.

Stay fit and active

Exercising during pregnancy may not only improve your health but also, the brain development of your baby. The University of Montreal conducted a study where 18 expectant moms and their babies found out that after 10 days of exercising, their unborn children have a faster brain development.

This finding also suggests that being physically active during pregnancy can help increase your body’s blood flow, which can stimulate your baby’s overall development.

Talk to your baby

It may seem like a silly thing to do but, talking to your unborn child can help create and establish a bond between you and your baby. In a 2013 study by Eino Partanen, et al., expectant women were given a recording that they will play towards the end of their pregnancy, which included a made-up word. The babies who heard the recording most frequently had the strongest response, suggesting that language learning begins in the womb.

Playing music is also beneficial to your baby since it helps trigger happy chemicals like serotonin, an important neuromodulator of brain development and the structure and function of neuronal circuits. These chemicals also encourage your baby to feel calm and even increase concentration power.

Eat healthily

Every food you eat during pregnancy has a direct effect on your baby. Take this as an opportunity to eat healthy meals that will help with your baby’s growth and development.

There are certain foods that have been proven to effectively help your baby’s memory and ability to learn. For example, a study led by a researcher from Cornell University found that expectant moms who consumed nearly twice the recommended amount of choline each day during their last trimester gave birth to babies who showed better brain function.

Similarly, consuming foods rich in DHA, Folic Acid, and Iodine, are essential for a healthy brain development.

It is also critical to provide your baby with the nutrients that will support your baby’s brain development. In addition to following a healthy diet, you also need a maternal milk to supplement you and your baby with essential nutrients.

ProMama® is a delicious tasting nutritional milk drink, scientifically formulated with key nutrients designed to support you during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. It is rich in brain-building nutrients such as DHA, Folic Acid, Choline, and Iodine. Proper growth and development early on can lead to better health outcomes later in life.

Caring for yourself is essential during pregnancy since it supports all parts of your child’s brain growth and development. Creating a strong foundation built on healthy environment and diet can ensure that your baby will have a bright tomorrow.

SUNPIOLOGY, now on its 10th year of inspiring people to live a healthier life

This year's Sun Life Resolution Run was still fresh in my mind. It left a huge mark in my life not just because I got to run with the Star Magic artists such as father-and-son tandem Piolo and Iñigo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Kisses Delavin, Robi Domingo, Matteo Guidiccelli, and many more; but because I got to enjoy a fitness event with my friends from the media and the blogging community plus my presence somewhat contributed to a great advocacy of Sun Life and it's major ambassador, Piolo Pascual. That was my first serious 5k run and I couldn't believe that because of it, I even pushed my self for longer runs such as 10k.

SunPIOLOgy Tr10 media conference, Sep. 24, 2018

This 2019, as Sunpiology turns 10; bigger and more exciting events are bound to happen.  SunPIOLOgy which is a charity-sporting event hosted by Sun Life Philippines with major support from its Ambassador, Piolo Pascual; will offer a "TR10" of events to thrill the fans and make them a part of a fundraising for education, diabetes awareness, and to inspire more Filipinos to live healthier lives.

The SUNPIOLOGY TR10 will have three events namely: Sun Cycle Ph on Nov. 17 at Bonifacio Global City, Sun Life Resolution Run and Sun vs. Stars with Star Magic both happening on January 26, 2019, at Camp Aguinaldo.

SunPIOLOgy now on its 10th year of giving hopes and inspiring lives

During the SunPIOLOgy Tr10 media launch in Novotel last Sept. 24; Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Ms. Mylene Lopa explained that they are strengthening Sun Life's message by inspiring more people to "live healthier lives."

"Wellness has been one of our key initiatives for the past years. With our line of new-generation Health and Accident products, Go Well Community event, and partnerships such as SunPIOLOgy, we want to show Filipinos how health and wealth shine brighter together," she added.

Sun Life Cycle Ph is fuelling up the growing interest of people in biking and its health benefits. Once again, it will take riders around four cities (Taguig, Makati, Manila, and Pasay) in routes fit for beginners and seasoned bikers. Sun Life Cycle Ph organized by Sunrise Events has the following categories:

> Family Ride - 30 mins duration
> Tricycle Ride - 100m and 500m)
> Short Ride - 20km
> Long Ride - 40km

Sun Life Ambassadors and cycling enthusiasts, Matteo Guidiccelli and Piolo Pascual will lead the race.

Please note that the Sun Life Cycle Ph is not a competition, it is a friendly event for everyone and for the whole family to enjoy.

 

Sun Life Resolution Run, on the other hand; has evolved into a regional spectacle with counterparts in different Sun Life Asia territories. It will also kick off not just in the Philippines but also in different parts of Asia such as Malaysia on January 13, Indonesia on January 20, Hong Kong and in Vietnam on January 27. The Charity Run in the country will retain its charm of a gunstart by sunset as the country's biggest stars race for beneficiaries of Hebreo Foundation, Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Nordhoff Foundation, and Star Magic Scholars.

For more information and registration details, pls log on to www.sunlife.cycleph.com and www.sunpiology.com.

GAOC opens its 9th clinic which provides more cutting-edge technology and services to customers

The leading dental clinic in the Philippines and one of the best in Southeast Asia - Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC)- has been offering excellent dental services since the year 1999.

This 2018, it celebrated yet another milestone as it opens its ninth state-of-the art clinic at the 5th floor of SM Megamall.

The new branch affirms GAOC’s status as a leader in oral health and dentistry in the country and further raises its standards. The SM Megamall clinic will have the most advanced digital dental technology – a first in the country. Digital dentistry promises greater precision, quality and comfort.

As one of GAOC’s cosmetic centers, the SM Megamall branch will focus on prosthodontic and cosmetic procedures such as crowns, bridges, dentures and veneers.

The facility will have a Consultation Room, X-RAY Room, Sterilization Room, four Treatment Rooms and its own dental laboratory to ensure efficiency and speed in processing results.

Upholding GAOC’s philosophy of excellence, the newest clinic ensures that patients will experience superior dental services from a team of highly skilled and experienced dental practitioners who have completed their training in top-notch hospitals, universities and global institutions in the United States, Europe and Asia.

“The year 2018 is proving to be a banner year for GAOC,” says Dr. Steve Mark Gan, GAOC President and Chief Executive Officer. “Not only are we expanding across the country, but our roster of satisfied clients and highly regarded endorsers are growing as well.”

Box office sensation and “The Hows of Us” star Kathryn Bernardo is the latest celebrity to join GAOC’s stellar line-up of endorsers. Bernardo, who used to fear visits to the dentist, overcame her reservations. The warm and helpful staff of GAOC, as well as the clinic’s sleek, modern and well-lit interiors, help put her at ease.

Founded by Dr. Gan who is known as "dentist to the stars," GAOC takes pride in its unparalleled excellence in oral care, providing oral diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental implantology and jaw reconstruction. GAOC’s world-class dental treatments and top-notch customer service make the clinic the choice of celebrities, politicians, diplomats, and socialites.

To experience GAOC’s first-rate brand of dentistry, schedule an appointment and visit a branch near you. GAOC’s SM Megamall branch is located at Level 5 Mega Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City, with tel. nos. (+63) 02 725-4262, 0917-158-4262, and e-mail megamall@gaocdental.com.

For more details and information, like and follow GAOC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @gaocdental or visit www.gaocdental.com.

Mommy Bloggers Share their Holiday Must-haves this 2018

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re like most homemakers, you’re probably thinking of how to make your celebrations extra fun and memorable for your loved ones this year.

Mom bloggers Anne, Kris, and Isha, all known for their housekeeping and other practical tips, are one in saying that planning is important so that you can be ready for the whirlwind of activities that come with the holiday season. 

Here are some of their must-haves so that you can have an awesome celebration:

A hardworking smartphone and data plan. Share your holiday adventures by taking lots and lots of photos. Make sure your smartphone has a good camera and plenty of storage so that you can take all the photos you want – from the food you served to the selfies and groufies you’ll have with the family and friends. Upload your photos quickly on social media so that everyone can partake of the fun, even virtually.

Healthy food. With all the partying going around, some people may overindulge and break their doctors’ orders. To make sure that even those who are on a diet or have special medical considerations also get to enjoy the holiday feast, have something prepared especially for them. Fruits and vegetables are always good to have and are healthy for you too.

Christmas-themed décor. To evoke that holiday feel, make it a white Christmas! The mom bloggers all agree that white is in this Christmas. Have some white table runners and white napkins for a wintery look. While you’re at it, bring out your white pillow cases and throw pillows as well, and combine them with reds and golds. You can have a holiday wonderland right in your own home. 

Extra gifts. The last thing you want to happen is to find out you forgot to put someone in your Christmas gift list. Since you can’t really tell who this person will be and when you’ll need the item, prepare one or two gifts that you can easily pull out anytime. Some ideas would be plain white shirts (one size fits all), white hankies, and face towels.

Holiday frocks. You want your family members to have the right holiday gear so that they can be comfortable yet presentable in the rush of holiday activities. When choosing clothes, go for classic colors such as white, which is easy to mix with just about anything and never goes out of style. Just because your family members haven’t worn some clothes for a long time doesn’t mean you should throw them away. By using a deep cleaning detergent with intensive cleaning power, putim shirts can be brilliant white again, just in time for the holidays.

Our blogger moms all swear by Tide, whose intensive cleaning power keeps clothes so white that they actually look new. Enjoy white clothes you’ve always loved, as well as those lovely colors you enjoy, by using detergents that have been especially formulated to bring out your clothes’ whiteness.

Just like Melai and Alex Gonzaga who kept everyone guessing who among them was wearing BagongBili o BagongLaba with Tide, the mommy bloggers noted that despite repeated usage, clothes washed with Tide look new.

“Sobrang amazing ang Tide! Ang dating luma, mukhang bago sa kaputian. Gumamit kayo ng Tide para hindi na kailangan bumili ng bago,” says mom Isha.

“Filipino moms are practical, so we are happy to bring them Tide, which allows them to keep their families’ clothes looking and smelling new. At the same time, they are able to save money by not having to replace clothes so often,” ends Procter & Gamble’s Country Marketing Manager for Laundry, Jonn Terence Dy.

With Tide, white is in. “Kikinang-kinang ang damit nyo sa kaputian ngayong Pasko,” concludes Mommy Anne.

Perfume Dessert gourmand fragrance : smell natural all day long

Lately, I have been fascinated with local brands of perfumes. They smell like the branded ones which cost a thousand pesos or more. What I like about these locally made perfumes are first of course they are affordable (for me) or shall I say "reasonably priced," second they come in various sizes so you can choose which one suits the even a limited budget, third they come in many types and kinds of fragrances so you always have a choice.

Of the many locally made perfumes that circulate the market today, from online stores to bazaars - I got tired of buying them because they almost smell the same. I don't patronize a certain scent or I don't use a certain scent over and over again. Once a bottle got depleted, I tend to replace it with another scent or another brand. I love to explore from time to time and I love to experiment and experience something new when it comes to perfumes because I believe that perfumes are very versatile. The scents can be reinvented, they can be twisted so they become something else, something special that they have a quality that is different from the many other scents.

When I was asked to try, Perfume Dessert; of course I did not have any second thought because this one is something new. Never heard about it, never even tried it.

I was surprised when I opened the package that was sent because the stuff inside doesn't look like perfume. The bottles are housed in a cylinder made from cardboard which is beautifully printed with flowers or fruits. That was really nice to look at, you'll have the first impression that the perfume has that natural fruity or flowery scent.

I tried each of the 5 bottles and here are three reasons I like about the brand:

1. UNIQUE PACKAGING - When it comes to perfume packaging, the usual shapes are either cube or rectangular. I guess this is the first time I saw a perfume packed in a cardboard cylinder. The packaging doesn't look boring and it comes in bright colors which are pleasing to the eyes. It looks decent and the packaging alone can compete with the other mid-range or even some high-end perfumes. The housing is also hard that it effectively protects the fragile perfume bottle.

Why does a product should come in a unique packaging? Packaging is not just a packaging. The packaging matters as much as the product itself because it's a crucial marketing and communication tool for the business. A product's packaging communicates many things, from what the product can do for the customers to the company's values. Aside from that, most customers don't have the time or energy to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the products in their shopping carts, so they use a shortcut to make their decision. Packaging is powerful because it tells consumers why the product and brand are different and that is something that Perfume Dessert possesses.

2. NATURAL SCENTS - I am very picky when comes to the scents of perfumes. I don't like the scents that are too sharp or heavy or too light. Perfumes that has a very strong scent tend to irritate the senses, while those with very light scents don't serve the purpose. Perfume Dessert offers scents with gourmand qualities.

What is a gourmand fragrance? It is a perfume consisting primarily of synthetic edible (gourmand) notes, such as honey, chocolate, vanilla or candy; described as olfactory desserts. They are also called "foodie" fragrances and can be both feminine and masculine.

PD's gourmand quality is very natural. The fruity or floral fragrance is just right to soothe the senses. Each scent they offer is refreshing and relaxing. I personally love the Sakura. PD perfected the Sakura scent to suit a woman's sophisticated and delicate taste. Other scents can be unisex like the Cucumber Melon Coolers.

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@perfumedessertph is a breath of fresh air among the scents that are available in the market today. Find out why on the blog soon www.clairesantiago.com #scents #sakura #nature #quality #highgrade #perfume

A post shared by Claire Santiago (@kl3yrr_santiago) on Sep 23, 2018 at 2:10am PDT

3. LONGEVITY - Perfume should last all day long. For someone like me who is always on the go and is always in a rush, I prefer longer lasting scent so I don't have to spray from time to time just to make sure I still feel fresh when I meet my clients. It is also important that the scent stays despite pollution, bad odor from the environment or even perspiration. With PD, I don't worry even if I stay long under the heat of the sun or in a windy environment. It keeps me feel cool and compose because I know at the end of the day, I would still smell nice even in the middle of a party.

If you're as adventurous and meticulous as I am when it comes to scents or perfumes, you should give Perfume Dessert a try. Each 30ml bottle with an elegant housing costs P250.00. It's one product which proves that quality is not always pricey.

Dishkarte sa Kusina - Chef Tatung's Second Book is a Very Practical Kitchen Guide

Chef Myke Tatung Sarthou, "Umagang Kay Ganda's" resident chef and bestselling author has released his latest book "Dishkarte sa Kusina" by ABC-CBN Publishing. The book contains kitchen hacks, recipes, lessons, and illustrations and serving as a comprehensive kitchen guide for Filipino homes today.

Tatung, who has become popular for his no-nonsense cooking tips and animated food trivia, said his new book is a tribute to “Umagang Kay Ganda’s” audience, mothers, and homemakers who have to deal with the practical realities of not just cooking but feeding a family on a budget. “Having a good grasp of cooking skills, common sense and the creativity to innovate and cook off the fly are important in dishing out decent meals that the family will enjoy,” the culinary master shared.

The book not just offers easy-to-follow recipes, but also kitchen basics that everyone must know in storing, preparing, and cooking food in various ways. From menu planning to grocery shopping, thawing frozen items, slicing ingredients, creating sauces, and choosing the right condiments, “Dishkarte sa Kusina” serves as a handy manual that households should have on hand as a quick reference.

“I also decided to write it in conversational Filipino, Taglish, so more Filipinos can benefit from the book,” Chef Tatung revealed, noting that a good number of people in the food industry have not gone to culinary school and hoping that this book will help bridge the readers’ knowledge and skills gap.

Some of the numerous kitchen hacks the popular chef shared in the book are to use color coding in chopping boards to avoid contamination, to place vegetables losing its freshness in iced water, to take advantage of meat broth for future use, and to chop or cut fresh herbs at the last minute before serving to retain its aroma.

Chef Tatung previously authored the award-winning book “Philippine Cookery From Heart to Platter,” also published by ABS-CBN Publishing, which earned the top prize in the World Gourmand Awards for best book by a celebrity chef outside Europe (Yantai China May 2017). He was also the Philippines’ sole representative to the 15th Madrid Fusion Congress in Madrid, Spain in 2016.

Chef Tatung’s passion is the avid search for the roots of Philippine cuisine, through which he rediscovers indigenous cooking methods, connects historical facts, and relishes anthropological insights that enrich the practice of his craft, making him a prime mover in the promotion of Philippine cuisine here and abroad.

Level up your cooking skills with the help of Chef Tatung’s “Dishkarte sa Kusina,” exclusively available in National Book Store branches nationwide for only P350. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visitwww.abscbnpr.com.

Shopee Fashion Week Happening on Sep. 19 - 25; Offers Up To 95% Off from the Leading Fashion Brands

From September 19 to 25, users can indulge themselves with up to 95% off men’s and women’s fashion categories including apparel, shoes, and accessories, as Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, teams up with leading fashion brands including Bench, Silverworks, CLN, Watch Republic, Banana Peel, Avel Designs, and Unisilver to kick off Shopee Fashion Week.

To cater to the diverse fashion tastes of all Filipino shoppers, Shopee Fashion Week will contain six themed collections namely Fresh Finds, Sneakerfest, Aegyo! Korean Fashion, Denim + Leather, Holiday Glam, and Accessorize. Featuring unbelievable deals starting from ₱1.00, shoppers can save even more when purchasing their fashion essentials on Shopee. Shoppers can also look forward to the Everything Must Go flash sale on September 25, where the most in-demand fashion items will be available at unbeatable prices.

Shopee Fashion Week will also mark the official launch of Bench, the top fashion brand in the Philippines, on Shopee Mall. To celebrate the opening, Bench will be offering 20% off storewide for fashion hunters to fill their wardrobes. Bench Apparel and Bench Body will also offer exclusive bundles for as low as ₱259.00 on a limited time only, so fans of the brand can usher in the festive year-end shopping period with Bench on Shopee. Lastly, the first 100 Bench shoppers will win a free cosmetics set and limited-edition postcards signed by celebrities Max Collins and Marco Gumabao.

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@maxcollinsofficial at the #ShopeeFashionWeek #benchjoinsshopee @shopee_ph #maxcollins #fashion #events #shopping #shopaholic

A post shared by Claire Santiago (@kl3yrr_santiago) on Sep 23, 2018 at 6:44am PDT

Jane Lim, Director of Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is dedicated to bringing a customised shopping experience that caters to the unique tastes of our users. With dozens of the most beloved local fashion brands on board, Shopee Fashion Week aims to give users first-hand access to exclusive deals on a wide variety of clothes, shoes, and other fashion accessories. Together with themed collections and various other attractive promotions, we are confident shoppers can save even more on their favourite fashion products at Shopee Fashion Week.”

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I have been a fan of Silverworks since 1998 #Collegedays and I'm so glad they always innovate over time. They now come up with #swcustomizedjewelry such as this gorgeous piece of earing... #ShopeeFashionWeek @silverworksphil

A post shared by Claire Santiago (@kl3yrr_santiago) on Sep 20, 2018 at 5:23am PDT

For more information about Shopee’s Fashion Week, visit: https://shopee.ph/m/fashion-week

For more information about Shopee, visit https://shopee.ph

Download the Shopee app for free on App Store or Google Play Store.

Moymoy Lulumboy 5.0 launched, watch it develop into a TV series, film, digital piece

Moymoy Lulumboy, Lampara Book's epic fantasy series written by Palanca-awardee and best-selling author Segundo Matias Jr; launched its fifth book last September 14 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. It was one of the highlights of the Manila International Book Festival (MIBF), where top local and international authors debut their work to the general public.

Moymoy Lulumboy returns with its fifth book dubbed Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Lihim ng Libro. This adolescent novel takes readers to the enchanting world of Gabun where local mythological creatures like aswang, duwende, manananggal, kapre and tikbalang coexistt with each other and fight for communal peace.

The latest installment continues with the journey of Moymoy Lulumboy as he struggles to cope up with the death of his mother Liliw and contend with his legacy as the hero that will save gabun from the evil force. Moymoy Lulumboy whose shape-shifting powers resembles that of an aswang, is slowly transforming into a character with a little darkness and aggression in his soul, but whose indness and compassion remain throughout the coming of age conquest.

The Young Adult series has received glowing reviews from book critics and readers, with Philippine Daily Inquirer including it in the top 10 books of 2014 and praising its "solid efforts at further modernizing our own myths." Interaksyon's Romsanne Ortiguero also raved about the franchise, particularly the fouth installment, Moymoy Lulumboy: Mga Dulot ng Digmaan for taking the audience into a "gripping reading experience as new characters and challenges were introduced."

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#MoymoyLulumboy5 book launch @wazzup_pilipinas

A post shared by Claire Santiago (@kl3yrr_santiago) on Sep 15, 2018 at 3:57am PDT

With the growing public interest on the franchise, ABS-CBN recently acquired Moymoy Lulumboy with plans of developing the series into a TV series, film, digital piece, merchandise or an attraction.

An expert in telling stories targeted to a younger demographics, Matias threads a coming-of-age story skillfully while opening the resder's soulto anentertaining genre romp that's characteristically Pinoy at heart. To date, he has published over 1,500 books via his two publishing imprints, Precious Pages Corp. and Lampara Publishing Co.

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Congratulations #SegundoMatiasJr for the successful launching of Moymoy Lulumboy's fifth installment, Ang Lihim ng Libro. I can't wait to see your #Masterpice reache more fans as it develops into a TV series, a film and the likes. @wazzup_pilipinas

A post shared by Claire Santiago (@kl3yrr_santiago) on Sep 27, 2018 at 11:15am PDT

On the latest installment of Moymoy, he collaborates with Jomike Tehido - a prolific architect, author, illustrator, and partner whose compelling fusion of unorthodox styles has led to solo exhibitions in the Philippines, Singapore, France, Japan and the United States.

Joy and toy for better family bonding moments

I grew up in a family where meal times and food were very sacred things. We were taught that it was bad to play while eating and vice-versa.

We weren't allowed to eat in front of the television, or to laugh and play while eating. Back then, I would always ask, "Why can't we play and eat at the same time? It would be a lot of fun!"

As I go through motherhood, I learned that eating should be fun, a bonding moment that every member of the family can enjoy. I also learned that play is important to growing kids - it allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and strength.

So, at times, I encourage them to play while eating or to eat while playing. To keep a check on their behavior, we supervise them and we join them, creating better bonding moments and happier memories for our whole family.

Being busy parents, my husband and I can't always prepare something for our eat-and-play bonding time. So I buy Kinder Joy for my family.

Kinder Joy is an egg-shaped product designed for kids aged 3 years and above - perfect for us since the youngest is already four. Each package contains a surprise toy and two delicious creams (milky cream and cocoa cream) with two crispy wafer balls made with high-quality ingredients. After all, who doesn't like milk and chocolate?

Why Kinder Joy? Because everybody loves surprises, at any age. Unexpected things bring pleasure to anyone. Opening a Kinder Joy is like opening a special gift – even parents get excited and curious about what kind of toy might be inside. We even make a guessing game of what's inside, and the one who guesses it right gets an extra Kinder Joy as a reward.

Once we get tired of playing and assembling the toys, we eat the wafer balls, which easily refuel and energize us because of their chocolate and milk content.

As a parent, being with the kids gives that feeling of being carefree, being in the moment, not thinking about tomorrow, and escaping from reality even for a while.

Our bonding moments with Kinder Joy go beyond playtime; they're also a great experience to know our kids better. Those toys help improve their creativity, mental alertness, and imagination. They also promote teamwork in our family, as we help each other assemble the toys and play with them once they're done.

And toys aside, everyone in the family loves milk and chocolate!

Food is such an effective bonding tool for the whole family, as every member learns the value of sharing. Toys, on the other hand, improve our kids’ mental, emotional, psychological, physical and social skills. Eating and playing combined make for great bonding moments for the whole family, and with Kinder Joy, parents can get both!

So Mommies and Daddies, you should also discover why kids are into Kinder Joy. Let's remember that if we, parents, put ourselves into our kids' shoes, we can better understand and support their passions in life. Let's start meaningful play with Kinder Joy toys, which now come in 90 new and exciting variants for kids.

Kinder Joy is now available in all leading retailers and supermarkets in the Philippines. For more details, follow them on Facebook, or check out the hashtags #kinderjoyphilippines and #worldofkj on social media!

UFS and Lady's Choice hailed the most innovative mayo-based dip as the "Choice of the Nation"

Ten talented Filipino chefs and cooks whip up the most innovative mayo-based dips as UFS and Lady's Choice hail the winning recipe at the "Choice of the Nation" Grand Cook-Off.

Out of 87 entries submitted over the last three months, the top ten dip creations by ten of the most skilled culinarians in the country makes its way to the much-awaited Choice of the Nation Grand Cook Off by Unilever Foods Solutions (UFS) and Lady's Choice. The most innovative mayo-based dip recipe hails as the first-ever "Choice of the Nation." We are excited to finally hail the unique dip creations of our talented Filipino chefs and cooks that made the cut to be part of the Choice of the Nation Grand Cook Off," says James Benedict Carreon, Managing Director of UFS Philippines. "These recipes showcase exciting flavors out of the ingenuity of the chefs that made them, which send a signal to the Filipino diners for more enjoyable culinary experiences ahead."

Choice of the Nation is a one-of-a-kind culinary competition that challenges chefs and cooks to whip up uniques mayo-based dips that will capture the discriminating palates of the Filipino diners.

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Which mayo-based dip will be hailed #ChoiceoftheNation?? #foodies #foodporn #cookoff

A post shared by Claire Santiago (@kl3yrr_santiago) on Sep 12, 2018 at 10:24pm PDT

Carreon explains, " This seemingly simple condiment has a power of its own. Dips may be simple and not too costly to make, but it is very versatile that it allows chefs to concoct unique recipes that can elevate the taste and experience of their signature dishes. It is even better with the familiar rich taste and creamy goodness of Lady's Choice Real mayonnaise, which has already been embedded in the Filipino's palate for many generations and through significant milestones.

The dip contenders vying for the coveted "Choice of te Nation" title are:

1. Honey A1 Carolina Reaper Mayo by Chef Sonny Balaga Jr.

2. Thai Chili Honey Dressing by Chef Edward Taponan

3. Basi Dip by Chef Natasha Besteben

4. Tom Yum Mayo by Chef Ryan Singson

5. Socorro's All Time Favorite by Chef Sharmaine Santos

6. Hawaiian Jerk Dip by Chef Ross Benito

7. Wings Gone Wild' Garlic Ranch Dip by Chef Jerina Castillo

8. Alamang Con Mayo by Chef Villa Amor Loresca

9. The Fish Mongers Remoulade by Chef Jayrald Yambao

10. Spicy Cream Cheese mayo with Roasted Capsicum by Chef Angelo Guison

The country's biggest names in the culinary industry namely, Chef Fernando Aracama, Chef Rob Pengson, Chef Sau del Rosario, Chef Kalel Chan and Chef Brando Santos, judged the recipes of the finalists according to the following criteria : taste, food presentation, creativity and innovation, audience voting, and the proper use of Lady's Choice infused in each dip creation.

The first-ever "Choice of the Nation" bagged a cash prize of P100,000 from a special gift pack from UFS and Lady's Choice. The first and second runners-up will take home P80,000 and P50,000,r respectively, plus a special gift pack from UFS>

While whipping up a dip seem to be an easy task in the kitchen, the aim of the competition is to push the skills of Filipino chefs, pursue food innovation, and unravel genuine kitchen, as aligned with the mission of UFS in helping push forward the food service industry.

"We at Unilever Food Solutions believe and support the one true mission of every Filipino cook and chef - to delight their customers with exquisite dishes. As such, we strive to help them develop their craft through the products and services we carry so they can continue to deliver a remarkable dining experience for their customers," Carreon concludes.

And the most innovative mayo-based dip as judged by the country's premier chefs is Thai Chili Honey Dressing by Chef Edward Taponan!!

The Choice of the Nation Grand Cook Off is supported by Masflex Cookware and Kitchenware, Kitchenpro, and Unox. To know more about Choice of the Nation, visit ufs.com.