New hotel in Quezon City is a product of dreams that turned into reality

Hotel DreamWorld made another milestone with the Grand launch of its most-awaited flagship branch on September 27, 2019 at Hotel DreamWorld, North Avenue EDSA, Quezon City.

The event was highlighted by a Press Conference for all the media partners and later capped off with a tour showcasing the hotel’s amenities and services. On the other hand, a motorcade was simultaneously conducted along EDSA to distribute Hotel DreamWorld merchandise items and promo cards.

Conceived as a drive-in hotel in its early years, Hotel DreamWorld readies itself to expand more due to its growing number of walk-in guests. The state-of-the-art flagship hotel presents newly furnished rooms for vacation and business purposes, clean and well-lit indoor swimming pool, and function rooms suited for casual and corporate gatherings.

“As the premium branch, our hotel offers like any other three, four or five-star hotel. If you want to take a quick dip to beat the summer heat or to just relax and feel comfortable, we got your back with our indoor pool. I’m proud to say that our amenities are on par or maybe even better with other hotels as well.” Mr. Rodrigo Masangcay, Managing Director of Hotel DreamWorld said.

Retaining its unique room atmosphere of dream-like getaways, 24-hour food and beverage service as well as highly-trained and motivated staff members. Hotel DreamWorld will continue to serve with top-of-the-line services and amenities to its valued guests.

“As part of our hotel’s innovation, Hotel DreamWorld Las Piñas and Cubao branches will receive certain improvements to further indulge the guest’s experience in our hotels. Also, we are targeting other areas wherein we could build next chain of our hotels, patterned with this premium branch dedicated for high quality of service, “Mr. Masangcay added.

Surely, this is a big step forward in attaining new goals and setting new standards. So what are you waiting for? We suggest you take take on this new experience only with Hotel DreamWorld!

For more details about Hotel DreamWorld and for room reservations just visit www.hoteldreamworld.ph or contact 09124133333.

The Stories Place promotes the beauty of being in the moment

Better stories happen when you connect yourself less from the online world.

The internet, social media, mobile apps are not just accessories in our everyday life. They are already part of our lifestyle and our daily life is incomplete without any of them. 

But sometimes, it feels good to disconnect from the world wide web, especially when things and the virtual environment started to get toxic, stressful and frustrating.

Let's disconnect to connect.

One day, together with some of my friends from the industry; we visited the heritage town of Pila, Laguna because we heard of a nice place to chill, relax, unwind, escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

It was a long travel but not boring although it was raining hard because along the way we saw a lot of fruit vendors, old churches and houses and the majestic view of Mt. Banahaw.

When we reached our destination, The Stories Place; our sleepy and gloomy afternoon turned into an exciting one, not just because of the mouth-watering snacks that were served, but also due to the very serene ambiance of the store and the hospitality of the owners and staff.

No WI-FI, just U and I

The Stories Place aims to give more bonding moments to families and friends minus the internet. They believe that when diners are "in the moment" and there are no distractions from the internet, they create better stories and memories that last a lifetime.

Me, of course, being on social media and blogging, can't go offline for long, but the store helped me be myself for some time; know my companion better even for a while and feel more positive about my life for a moment because of limited connection from my mobile data.

Something cold for the cold weather

I would like to share also that apart from the more beautiful stories that you can share with your companion because there's no WI-FI, you will also have more time to indulge in their mouth-watering dishes.

They have hot and cold beverages, pancakes, sandwiches, pasta, all-day breakfast, and desserts. The owners are very hands-on when choosing the right ingredients for each dish so you can be sure they are not just delicious but are of good quality. They use local produce and organic products as much as possible. 

Beef and Cheese Nachos - Php110

That was the first time I tasted a lemonade with cucumber and nata de coco on top. It was better and more refreshing than the usual lemonade in the malls, with a little surprise because of the nata.

Cucumber Lemonata (Php75 - Php85)

They also serve fluffy, kid-friendly pancakes. Whether you like it a little fancy and colorful or a bit healthy - they're ready to serve any for you.

Banana Caramel

Blueberry

Apart from the Lemonata, another cold drink I tried was the Mango Oreo Delight Frappe. This is one of the best-tasting frappes I tried.

Mango Oreo Delight Frappe ( Php65 - 85)

A very popular dessert Banana Spit, cleaned the palate and conclude our meal with delight. I love that the banana is not overripe, it went well with the delectable ice cream.

Banana Split (Php150)

Although the place commits to being a NO WI-FI zone, you'll never get bored while dining. The whole place is instagrammable, it is relaxing because of the green accents, there are books to read and toys or games to enjoy.

I really enjoyed my afternoon by just living in the moment and being aware of the moment I am in, without me being aware that a special reunion would happen between me and one of my highschool BFFs. We met again after 2 decades in this place where exciting stories are bound to happen. Our reunion felt like traveling back in time when we used to dine in a small food shop in the province.

In this lifetime, great love stories and wonderful life stories happen not on social media. Always remember that nothing is more precious than being in the present - fully alive, fully aware. Give yourself a break from the internet, go to places like The Stories Place where you can create moments and experiences that will inspire others.

JOSHUA PACIO and ALEX SILVA face-off ahead of ONE STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP bout in MANILA

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), held the ONE: FIRE & FURY Official Open Workout in Pasay City. The world’s best martial arts talent came out to showcase their incredible skills in front of fans and media.

In attendance was reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines, who faced off with the challenger, former champion Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Brazil. Also at the open workout were top Filipino athletes Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Danny “The King” Kingad, Lito “The Thunder Kid” Adiwang, Gina “Conviction” Iniong, and Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres.

More information on ONE: FIRE & FURY is available at www.onefc.com.

Joshua Pacio, ONE Strawweight World Champion, stated: “Last year was a great year for me. Despite losing my title, I was able to gain it back and also put in some great wins against tough opponents. I feel very comfortable fighting here at home in the Philippines. I’m unbeaten here, and it’s because of all the support from the fans. It’s a huge privilege to face such a great competitor in Alex Silva. He’s a former world champion and has excellent BJJ, so this will be a huge challenge for me. I’m ready to face it.”

Alex Silva, former ONE Strawweight World Champion, stated: “First of all, I would like to say I really appreciate the support and respect the fans have given me here in the Philippines, even if I am going to face your hometown hero, Joshua Pacio. One thing you can expect from me is that I will put my whole heart into this match and give a good performance for all the Filipinos. It has been a long two year journey for me to get back into title contention, and I’m happy to be given another shot. For me, the harder the path the better because it helps me improve as a fighter. Joshua is a young and well-rounded athlete, and I have a lot of respect for him. But I believe this is my time now.”

Eduard Folayang, 2-time ONE Lightweight World Champion, stated: “I want to start the year on a high note, with a statement-making victory. I’m hungrier than ever before to make another run at the world title. The last-minute change of opponent is fine, I’ve been in this situation before. It’s a good test for my adaptability, and I think this opponent is going to push me to my limits. I’m looking forward to this Friday night and I’m ready to give it my all for the Filipino fans."

Danny Kingad, ONE Athlete, stated: “I learned a lot the past year, and I’ve grown so much as a martial artist and as a competitor in this sport. Joining the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix was a great experience, it really helped me a lot in terms of gaining the experience of competing against the best in the world. I feel like I’m more disciplined now as an athlete, and I am laser focused on getting better. I plan to showcase all the new skills I learned in this next fight.”

Lito Adiwang, ONE Athlete, stated: “I am excited to perform in front of all the Filipino fans here in Manila. It has always been a dream of mine to compete on the biggest stage here in my home country. You don’t want to miss what’s going to happen on Friday night. The Thunder Kid is coming with a surprise for all the fans.”

Gina Iniong, ONE Athlete, stated: “Asha Roka is as tough as they come. She proved that against a tough champion in Stamp Fairtex. I’m looking forward to giving my best this Friday night and meeting the challenge of this great martial artist.”

Jomary Torres, ONE Athlete, stated: “All I can say is that I am excited to face Jenny Huang. She is a dangerous grappler, has decent striking, and is a former ONE World Title challenger, so she has that experience at the highest level. I’ll do my best to get the win.”

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Acer Donates 42 Units in Support to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's Digital Literacy Project

In a developing country like the Philippines, how important is digital literacy? Is it enough that the citizens can read and write the native language and the basic English?

Digital literacy is an individual's ability to find, evaluate, and compose clear information through writing and other mediums on various digital platforms. It is evaluated by an individual's grammar, composition, typing skills and ability to produce writings, images, audio and designs using technology. Digital literacy does not replace traditional forms of literacy, instead, building upon the skills that form the foundation of traditional forms of literacy.

Computer literacy is part of digital literacy

Digital literacy is one component of being a digital citizen - a person who is responsible for how they utilize technology to interact with the world around them. It allows people to interact and communicate with family and friends on a regular basis due to the "busy constraints" of today's world. Not only do white-collar jobs require digital literacy in the use of media to present, record and analyze data, but so do blue-collar jobs who are looking for a way to increase productivity and analyze market trends, along with increased job safety.

Digital literacy is, therefore, an important aspect in the life of every Filipino nowadays.

The City Government of Manila, headed by Mayor Isko Moreno, believes in the importance of digital literacy and the power it can give to the people which is why they introduced the Digital Literacy For All Project, which gives every person the opportunity to learn the digital skills that will be relevant in their workplace and daily life. 

5 Acer Units donated to Manila - Sacramento Friendship Library in Paco - the library which was established in 1965 as a symbol of friendship between Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson and the mayor of Sacramento, California

Acer, the leading ICT company, now headquartered in Manila; strongly supports the initiative and recently, they signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Manila for the donation of 42 desktop computers to Manila's ten newly renovated public libraries. These public libraries were provided with spaces for Manileños to do group discussions, meetings, and other collaborative engagements.

"It is an honor for Acer to partner with the City of

Manila in promoting access to quality education.

We are proud of Mayor Isko Moreno's efforts to

make digital education more accessible to

Manileños and provide opportunities for growth and

development through this partnership," said Acer

Philippines Inc. Managing Director, Mr. Manuel

Wong.

Photo : Acer Managing Director Manuel Wong, delivering his speech during the turn-over ceremony





Under the agreement, 42 Acer desktop units will be distributed to 11 Manila City public
libraries. These libraries include :

• Manila-Sacramento Friendship Library (5 computers),
• San Nicolas Public Library (4 computers), 
• Tondo Public Library (4 computers), 
• Valeriano E. Fugoso Library (4 computers), 
• Main library Ref. Division (8 computers), 
• Kapitan Isidro Mendoza Public Library (2 computers),
• Dapitan Complex Library (2 computers),
• Arsenio H. Lacson Public Library (3 computers),
• Bacood Public Library (4 computers),
• Patricia Public Library (2 computers) and Manila-San Francisco Friendship Library (4 computers)

Turn-over ceremony with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Acer Philippines Inc. Managing Director Ms. Manuel Wong

During the turn-over ceremony which was held at the Manila - Sacramento Friendship Library in Paco, Mayor Isko Moreno said that he is fulfilling his promise of bringing Makati to Manila. He also asked every Manilenyo to join hands in making Manila a better city, because he can't do it alone. He thanked Acer for the unwavering support in his endeavors especially in the field of education and literacy in this digital era.

Visit Acer's Official Social Media Pages for more details: Facebook- @AcerPH, Instagram-@acerph, Twitter @acerphils, wwww.acer.com.

Casino Filipino presents VP Choice Awards 2019 with RED Entertainment

Village Pipol just got bigger! The first-ever VP Choice Awards finally happened and it has been trending upon its launch. Presented on January 23, it surely was a success with almost 200 guests attending the event. Brand executives, online personalities and celebrities experienced a one-of-a-kind red carpet awarding ceremony. Held at Casino Filipino Manila Bay, VP Choice Awards accommodated guests at the main ballroom.

ABS-CBN’s Ultimate Bidaman winner Jin Macapagal and GMA Network’s IT-girl Ashley Ortega hosted the first-ever VP Choice Awards. Hailed as the star-studded gathering with millennial artists Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Darren Espanto, Mimiyuuuh, and even the famous SB19 gracing the event. Of course, the awards night featured a tight competition among all nominees three major categories: Travel, Lifestyle, and Entertainment.


Casino Filipino awards the Star of the Night to Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber.

As the event’s title sponsor, they also had the chance to present an award to the lucky guests. Senior Marketing Officer of the Manila Bay Branch Gerlie Bonleon presented the Casino Filipino’s Star of the Night. She presented it to VPCA’s Loveteam of the Year awardee MayWard who surely gave the event an extra shine.

In behalf of Village Pipol, we are truly grateful for Casino Filipino for accommodating the first-ever VP Choice Awards!

A taste of all the sweetness—without the guilt!

Everybody knows, for sure, that too much sugar is bad for our bodies. Added sugar, which is present in most of our go-to foods, treats, and beverages, are found to cause some health conditions, such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart diseases, says the World Health Organization (WHO).

Cutting on sugar intake, a key to optimum health

For Denise Laurel, a celebrity mom with two kids, cutting out on sugar is key to maintaining a healthier lifestyle, not just for herself but also for her family. 

 “Of course added sugars are delicious—who doesn’t love it. I was into it before and, I experienced, first-hand, its negative effect. Now, I’m always trying to manage the sugar intake of my family. I make sure that our consumption is very minimal, if not zero,” Denise added.

Nikka Garcia, another celebrity mom and blogger, couldn’t agree more. She said that being a mom, you must always be on the look-out for what your kids eat as they are more prone to being predisposed to foods full of added sugars. She noted that with her love of drinking coffee and making fruit drinks for her kids, cutting-out on the added sugar is a huge benefit for the family. 

“When it comes to my kids, I make sure that what I give them is beneficial for their health. However, at times you can’t help but put some sweetener so your children will like the food they eat,” Nikka added. 

The WHO recommends less than 10 percent of an adult’s calories per day, which translates to 2,000 calories only. Of that, less than 5 percent should come from added sugars, which is about 25 grams per day. To easily understand this, the American Heart Association (AHA), said that women should consume about 25 grams (6 teaspoons) only, while men about 38 grams (9 teaspoons) and only between 12 to 25 grams (3 to 6 teaspoons) for children. 

To reduce their sugar intake, these celebrity moms are always on the lookout for alternative sweeteners to provide their family all the goodness of sweet treats without the guilt and health concerns. 

Bringing a sweet exchange

When looking for an alternative sugar, Laurel and Garcia noted that naturally-derived  is still the best option. This include sweeteners made with Stevia, a natural substitute for sugar, derived from the leaves of a small perennial green shrub.

Stevia plant has shown medicinal properties that are anti-diarrheal, anti-tumor, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions. Scientific evidences also show that Stevia is best for indications, such as reducing high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure.

A new sweetener, on the other hand, combined the goodness of Stevia with Inulin, a natural soluble dietary fiber from a chicory plant that promotes digestive health. Inulin acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in the colon. Studies suggest that Inulin relieves constipation, promotes weight loss, and helps control blood sugar levels.

This alternative sweetener is called SweetVia, the latest addition to the offerings of Santé, a provider of premier organic health and wellness products and services. With its natural ingredients, SweetVia does not only sweeten your beverage as it also provides health benefits.  

Sweetener for Sweet Recipes 

For Celebrity Chef Mom RoseBud Benitez, sugar is a basic necessity when creating sweet treats. However, she noted that one must not only limit on guilt- sweets at all, and that there is a better, healthier sugar substitute for people who like the sweet-rush without the unwanted health risks.

“Whenever I’m creating a dish, I always try to make it something delicious and healthy. And of course, when it comes to sweet recipes, a sweetener is very much needed; this is where the alternatives, like SweetVia, come in. It does the job, as a real sugar substitute, providing sufficient sweetness. But for me, I prefer using the sweetener that comes with additional health-benefits, making my kids love my recipes even more,” added Benitez.

Not for Health Buffs 

For Nikki Torres, a noted yoga instructor and health and fitness blogger, the added sugar in one’s diet is a no-no for fitness enthusiasts. According to, excessive sugar intake feed the bad bacteria in the body, making us feel unwell and risking us of developing illnesses. 

“Added sugar is one of the common food components that we must limit ourselves with.  I always try to zero-in on it because it makes me perform poorly and makes me feel sick.  But with sweeteners like SweetVia, I do not need to scrimp on sweetness and I can indulge myself guilt-free, for I am sure that I am feeding myself with an organic supplement that does my body great in overall well-being, “added Torres.

Aside from its natural ingredients that give health benefits, SweetVia is also ideal for weight management. It also does not increase sugar levels, making it an ideal replacement for your usual sweeteners for a healthy lifestyle.

SweetVia is just one of the many products that Santé offers to help improve the quality of life around the world. The company has been providing premier organic health and wellness products and services with Santé Barley at its core. Barley grass is an effective antioxidant, rich with vitamins and minerals that not only detoxifies the body but also aids in digestive health.

To know more about Santé, its product offerings, and other upcoming events, visit its official FB Page at www.facebook.com/pg/Santéofficial.ph or its website at www.Santébarley.com/ph.

Legánde Relaunches the Brand's Logo along with an Impressive Product Line

What first came into my mind when I saw the brand name "Legánde?" "Le Grande" - sounds French, sounds grand; I have this notion that it is a brand of products that are beautiful, glowing and impressive.

Legánde, Inc.'s new logo - with better, deeper meaning

Then I get to meet the brand and the people behind it during their relaunch, where I get to know better about the company and its products. The event was held at Luxent Hotel and it was graced by family, friends, brand partners, entrepreneurs, media, and supporters of Legánde, Inc. The ballroom was filled to the brim, with everyone hanging off the edge of their seats, excited to witness and have first-hand dibs on the newest products and income opportunity that Legánde, Inc. has to offer.

The event was a celebration of Legánde, Inc's another milestone in their history. To mark the celebration, they unveiled a brand new logo and tagline “Where infinite possibilities live” to usher a new year and decade with new products, compensation plan, and management team. Legánde, Inc is a fusion of two companies, Multipure Philippines and Pillars 5. Multipure Philippines is the authorized distributor of Multipure water systems of the United States of America while Pillars 5 is an all-natural nutrition and wellness company.

Legánde, Inc. launched three new products that cater to health and wellness. They have the home essentials, health essentials, and beauty essentials. The home essentials include the Multipure Water Filtration Systems, the AquaDOME, AquaVERSA, and AquaMINI, that is backed by three certifications (ANSI 42 - Aesthetic effects; ANSI 53 - Health effects, and ANSI 401 - emerging compounds and incidental contaminants) from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) which users can upgrade with a Legánde Pre-filter. Under the same category is the Multipure Aqua Shower that is marked by a Water Quality Seal. The health essentials include 100% pure essential oils, gourmet teas, and life enzyme. The beauty essentials consists of argan oil for the face, hair, and body.

Multipure Water Filtration Systems

Multipure is the premier manufacturer of high-quality drinking water systems in the United States of America and have been in business for 50 years. They are all about improving the quality of life. Multipure is the original developer of solid carbon block technology. 

The gourmet teas being offered by Legánde is not just any tea. These teas are what purists call as the real thing. Legánde Inc. offers green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and a fusion of green tea and jasmine flower tea. These are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant which is a shrub native to China and India. This contains unique antioxidants called polyphenols.

Essential oils are another addition to Legánde’s growing roster of products. This is an absolutely perfect addition because Legánde wants to provide its customers with a more positive lifestyle. Legánde’s essential oils come in three types: Mood Lifter, Stress and Pain Buster, and last but not least the Energy Booster.

Mood Lifter essential oils (photo courtesy of Captured by Mark Balmores)

Mood Lifter contains Lemongrass, Grapefruit, and Frankincense. Stress and Pain Buster includes Tea Tree, Lavender, and Lemon. Energy Booster includes Rosemary, Peppermint, and Orange. Legánde’s essential oils can be used both topically and aromatically. It also comes in a sampler kit which comes with three 5ml bottles while the regular essential oils come in 15ml bottles. 

They are also offering Life Enzyme which works better than most vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Enzymes speed up blood circulation, digestion, detoxification, and healing which are all necessary for the body. Legánde’s Life Enzyme contains 150 all-natural whole fruits and vegetables as well as medicinal fungi and ancient Chinese herbs which underwent 1-year fermentation process. This slows down aging and aids in the relief of digestive disorders and boosts energy. 

Life Enzyme from fruits and vegetables, with added probiotics 
(photo courtesy of Captured by Mark Balmores)

Argan Oil for the Hair, Face and Body (photo courtesy of Captured by Mark Balmores)

The Argan Oil is one of its most coveted beauty products so it makes sense that Legánde is offering this in 3 forms: Hair, Body, and Face. With its high Vitamin E and fatty acid content, argan oil is the ideal product to give skin a natural boost. It is easily absorbed because it is non-greasy and non-irritating, making it a natural moisturizer. 

Legánde’s launch was led by Ramon F. Garcia, President and CEO of Legánde Inc. as well as Ramon Paolo Garcia Jr., Chief Operating Officer. With an impressive lineup of new products from Legánde, it is safe to say that Legánde is kicking off the year 2020 with a bang! 

Ramon Garcia Sr. ended the night with this quote: “ We grow because we invest. We invest in our members and staff development. We invest in new technology. We invest in new products. We invest in infrastructure to better our service. Now the result of caring, sharing, and investing is that we grow, we grow together, we grow our business together, and we grow together to realize our members’ dream at a sustainable level.” 

Ramon F. Garcia, President and CEO Legánde Inc.
(photo courtesy of Captured by Mark Balmores)

Legánde (silent "e") actually came from the words LEGacy and grANDE. It means they want to leave a huge impact, a grand legacy in the lives of people. With Legánde, you can be healthy while being wealthy.

Melai Cantiveros is Adobo Connection's First Ever Brand Ambassador

Adobo Connection proudly welcomes Melai Cantiveros as their new endorser and brand ambassador in a launching event held in SM North EDSA.

With its dedication to making every Filipino feel at home in all its stores, Adobo Connection has chosen "momshie" and TV host Melai Cantiveros to be its first-ever brand ambassador.

Unassuming and cheerful, Melai is the quintessential Filipino mom who endeavors to capture her family's craving for good, uncomplicated, and hearty Pinoy dishes - with adobo on top of the list. "Adobo is forever - char! Kasi diba staple food siya, walang Pinoy ang hindi gusto ang adobo. Unlike kasi ng iba na naging usong pagkain, saglit lang naging hype tapos after ilang months lang. wala na. Si adobo kasi, di pinagsasawaan. Kaya kumuha talaga ako ng franchise. Honestly ito ang pangtawid gutom ko," said Melai.

Meredith Ngo, Adobo Connection's Managing Director says, "We're really proud to announce the first-ever ambassador / franchisee of Adobo Connection, Melai; who embodies what a true Flipino mom is, yung maalaga sa pamilya and may malasakit. Similar to our brand statement, we want our customers to feel at home and remember their mom's cooking every time they enter our store."

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Congrats Momshie Melai!!! @mrandmrsfrancisco More blessings to come! Visit the blog to know more kwento about the launching of Melai as the first ever ambassador/endorser of @adobocon #adoboconnection #melaicantiveros #adobocon

A post shared by Claire Santiago (@passionsofasahm) on Jan 21, 2020 at 2:36am PST

Recognizing that Adobo Connection is deeply ingrained in Filipinos' lives, Melai had also taken things one step further and decided to invest in an Adobo Connection franchise. This was to ensure not only her tamily's financial stability but also because she loves seeing people enjoy Adobo Connection's offerings.

Admitting she did not know much about running a business, Melai also found Adobo Connection's support and commitment to its franchisees truly reassuring.

"Sa panahon ngayon, ang hirap na makahanap ng business na papatok at higit sa lahat anghirap makahanap ng katuwang sa negosyo - yung talagang mapagkakatiwalaan at tutulungan ka talaga. Pinadali talaga ng Adobo Connection ar p agbubusiness ko. Dahil samga maaasahang teams nila, masaya at madali ang naging exence ko," Melai shared.

Today, Melai owns three Adobo Connection outlets nationwide. She has found that Adobo Connection offers a solid business proposition -a working market concept, sound marketing and operational systems, and strong franchisor support.

Nook, the first online mortgage broker platform in the Philippines

This new website makes securing your dream home much easier!

Buying a home is one of the most exciting phases of life. With new real estate developments sprouting all over the country, and with banks offering different financing schemes, you can actually fulfill your goal to get your dream home soon.

Unfortunately, getting a bank loan and fulfilling all documentary requirements can be a time-consuming, burdensome, and confusing process. Each bank offers different financing terms, and often differ in their requirements – leaving you, the prospective home buyer, wondering if you’re doing what’s best for you.

Thankfully, you can now navigate through all the housing loans in one place and get pre-qualified in minutes with the use of the newest website — Nook!

Nook, the first online mortgage broker in the Philippines, is designed to make applying for a home loan much simpler and easier, takes all the pain out of the loan application process. It has partnered with the top eight commercial banks in the Philippines to give home buyers a wide array of financing options that match their needs. You can choose from AUB, BDO, BPI Family Bank, Bank of Commerce, CTBC, Chinabank, RCBC, and Security Bank.

Nook lets you choose the right loan that suits your needs, and apply for it – thereby sparing you from having to go to different banks to compare what each one has to offer. Using the online platform, Nook will let you know the amount of monthly repayments you have to make, fees, and other requirements from each bank that you will take time to learn if you went through the process manually. Once you’ve chosen which bank offers the best option, you can take out a loan through the website, and submit everything online! Best of all, there is no loan application fee involved.

If you need assistance while using the platform, Nook also has home loan consultants who can help you with every step of the housing loan process around the clock that’s free of charge.

“In other countries, few people apply directly to banks because it is time-consuming and confusing. A mortgage broker does all these things for you. We saw how Filipinos often end up taking out loans offered by their real estate brokers who may be accredited by just one or two banks, thereby limiting the buyers’ options. This is why we launched Nook which lets users shop around widely to find the best home loan. Considering a borrower’s relationship with a bank can last 15 to 20 years, it is important for home buyers to find the best loan that they are most comfortable with,” said Chris Elder, CEO of Nook.

Thanks to Nook, you can go from pre-qualification to bank application to approval without ever leaving your home. Indeed, with Nook, your dream home is just a click away.

For more details and updates, visit Nook’s official website at https://www.nook.com.ph/!

Catch Clint Eastwoods' critically-acclaimed film Richard Jewell at Ortigas Cinemas this January

The first-ever Ortigas Cinemas proudly welcomes movie buffs to a brand new movie-going experience at the newly opened luxury lifestyle hub of Estancia Mall's East Wing. Opened in November 2019, the East Wing provides a well-curated selection or dining and retail shops which promises an invigorating experience for everyone - especially with entertainment.

Movie buffs will enjoy watching blockbusters from the first-ever Ortigas Cinemas, with
ultra-comfortable seats, and world-class facilities. With bold golden accents and a hint of class and
modernity, it houses a total of 4 regular cinemas and 2 premier cinemas called The Screening
Room. Even the snack bar aptly called Reel Bites veers off the traditional quirky look and instead
employs a sparkly look that's just as modern, blending seamlessly into the overall glam of the
interiors.

All cinemas are equipped with world-class seats to offer comfort that elevates the movie experience.
For The Screening Room, seats are extra luxe with plush recliners with adjustable foot and backrests.
Truly, these were designed to go beyond style and cater to movie patrons and provide maximum
comfort for the ultimate movie experience that's truly distinct to Estancia

This January, a week before its Philippine Release, Ortigas Cinemas housed the advanced screening of the critically acclaimed Clint Eastwood-produced and directed film, "Richard Jewell."

Eastwood wanted to honor Richard Jewell's life as an everyday hero, even after being publicly thrown to the wolves by the public in 1996. Working as a security guard during the Atlanta Olympics, it was Jewell who found a suspicIous bag that contained an incendiary device. With little time to spare, he helps evacuate the area, saving many lives and minimizing potential injuries. He is hailed a hero. But just three days later, the humble savior's life unravels when he - and the world - learn he is the FBl's prime suspect in the bombing.

What might read as the makings of a suspense thriller are not the imaginings of a creative mind, but
were, in fact; the life-shattering reality for the real Richard Jewell. Ironically. thanks to his selfless act, for 88 days. Jewell lived with an invasive FBI investigation, public scrutiny spurred by unrelenting press coverage, and the uncertainty that nis name would ever be cleared, or his life ever be the same.

Critically acclaimed and currently has a 75% Fresh Rating at Rotten Tomatoes, "Richard Jewell" has
been chosen by America's National Board of Review as one of the Ten Best Films of 2019. The
same organization has honored "Richard Jewell' cast members Kathy Bates with a Best Supporting
Actress prize, and Paul Walter Hauser with a Breakthrough Performance Award.

Kathy Bates has also been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the recent Golden Globes
Awards.

For more information, please visit www.ortigas.malls.com or check out Estancia and Ortigas Cinemas
social media pages: www.facebook.com/EstanciaPH | https:/www.facebook.com/OrtigasCinemas

Get into the Habit of Proper Dental Hygiene

Part of every New year's celebration is a resolution that has been our tradition to continue good practices, change undesired behavior, or accomplish life goals.

As we kick off a brand-new 2020, have we started to list down resolutions to jumpstart good

habits that we wish to form and continue for the rest of the year? They say it only takes 2 weeks to create a habit, so why not start off with the easiest resolution to keep: the habit of proper dental hygiene?

Building on the habit of good dental hygiene only takes a few minutes per day, but somehow, this doesn't get the attention and commitment it deserves. To mindfully get into this habit, every household should begin by understanding our natural eating habits as most of the food and drinks that we consume daily are generally either acidic or pigmented. Think of oranges, coffee, pasta, ketchup, wine, and so on.

Acid in food and drinks softens the tooth enamel or the outer layer of the tooth. Weakened tooth enamel may lead to dental erosion that makes our teeth prone to sensitivity. More so, acid also promotes bacterial growth, which causes problems ranging from bleeding gums to gingivitis

So, what can we do about it?

The latest innovation from Oral-B has 2-in-1 oral care action that directly repairs and protects sore gums and weakened enamel. Oral-B's Gum and Enamel Repair toothpaste has unique ActivRepair technology clinically proven to neutralize bacteria on the gum line, and even keep it away afterwards, too. It also repairs the damage caused to your tooth enamel by everyday wear and tear and continues to protect it afterwards. Not only that but it also helps do all these in just two weeks.

Unlike common fluoride toothpaste, Oral-B Gum and Enamel Repair is made with Stabilized Stannous Fluoride Complex. Oral-B pioneered the introduction of Stannous Fluoride in its toothpaste in the 1950s, and with over decades of research, their technology has evolved to now deliver multiple dental care benefits, such as sensitivity repair, elimination of bad breath, cavity protection, enamel erosion protection, neutralization of plaque regrowth, and gum rejuvenation. That's because these days, just having long-lasting fresh breath isn't enough. Your toothpaste must be hardworking enough to target the root causes of oral care problems such as bacteria and acid erosion.

As it is difficult to prevent ourselves from eating food high in acidity, Oral-B delivers the oral protection that we continue to enjoy our day-to-day grind.

Building on the habit of good dental hygiene 

Dental experts recommend brushing your teeth three times a day or after every meal, and visiting a professional for dental cleaning at least twice a year. At home, the right way to brush your teeth and gums is for two minutes long in a soft and circular motion. It's also important to choose a toothbrush that can do more than just brushing. Unlike regular toothbrushes in the market, Oral-B's toothbrushes are made with crisscross bristles that remove 90% more plaque even in hard-to-reach areas. With the rise in popularity of detoxifying properties of charcoal in the health and beauty industries, Oral B has harnessed its power and learned to infuse it in their Charcoal White toothbrush to help whiten your teeth in just two weeks!

Aside from brushing your teeth and gums, dental floss is also an essential dental care step to remove plaque from tight spaces between teeth and gums. This prevents both bacteria and plaque buildup from forming, which can potentially lead to cavities, sensitive teeth, and gum disease. Oral-B Glide Floss is lightly coated with natural wax that makes it strong., smoothly gliding, and is perfect for people with sensitive gums. It is also made from a single filament, which means it never shreds, and leaves you with a cool and clean feeling afterwards.

Make your SHOPSM experience more beneficial and more rewarding with these tips and tricks

When the internet became commercialized, it also gave birth to e-commerce or what we popularly known nowadays as online shopping. It has become a massive hit because of the obvious benefits such as convenience. When customers shop online, it allows them to search faster for their desired products. Online shopping which is done with just a few clicks of the mouse or just a few taps of the fingertips, is indeed a practical way to purchase things nowadays - be it fashion, home essentials, beauty products, groceries, and even services - because people can avoid long lines and crowds and they can spend more time on things that are of better importance.

The SM Store, the largest department store chain in the Philippines; made a brilliant move to join e-commerce as it launched its online shopping platform SHOPSM a few months ago. But just like any platform that is still at its early stages of development, SHOPSM has its own limitations; so let me give you a few tips and tricks on how to shop at SHOPSM with better experience and avoid being pissed-off by unforeseen circumstances that usually arise when shopping via the web.

1. Search with ease.

SHOPSM has 6 major categories - Women, Men, Kids, Home, Beauty, Sale and New. After registration, make specific searches to avoid wasting your time online. When I first used this platform, I was looking particularly for SM shoes for women so I first checked out for products under Women then Shoes.

On the left side of the platform, be more specific by choosing the Brand, Categories, and Price or you may further sort the products by choosing Just In, On Sale, Most Popular, Top Rated or according to the Price on the right side.






The products are just too many and overwhelming and the range seems endless just like what you see in the physical SM department store, so using the search and be more specific and more particular with the items you are looking for will help you avoid "digital stress."

2. Which is better - pick-up or delivery?

Since SM has now more or less 75 malls all over the country, you may choose to pick-up your order at your nearest SM branch, but not all branches can accommodate this service. As of the moment, there are only 26 branches where you may use the Free Click and Collect feature in the shopping site and most are Metro Manila branches or the major SM malls in selected cities in the country.

What is the advantage of picking up your order at the SM branch? First, you save on delivery fees/charges. There is a delivery fee of more or less P99.00 whether you are from the province or from Metro Manila, so if you are just nearby SM mall and the branch is available for the Free Click and Collect service, then that would be a better choice. Second, you get to see and inspect your items immediately after receiving, so if in case there is a discrepancy or any problem with your order, you can easily direct your concern to the staff and you get real-time feedback.

If you are from the province, chances of using the Free Click and Collect service are very limited so you have to choose a door to door delivery. Also if you really are a very busy bee, of course your only choice is to have your order delivered at your doorsteps. But take note of these : not all areas are serviceable at the moment, especially provincial addresses; so you have to have an address that is nearby or within a city. Don't worry, the system prompts you whenever your area is not reachable.

Another reminder if you choose delivery at your desired address, don't expect speedy delivery in provinces. I ordered January 3, 2020 and according to the email sent by the system, my order might arrive in between Jan. 07 to 09, 2020 but it was already Jan. 10, 2020 and my order is still nowhere in sight. According to the tracking details, my items are coming from Cubao Quezon City. They will be shipped in Cabuyao City which is some 2 - 3 hrs away from Cubao; but I'm afraid it would take a week before the courier could deliver the items to my residence address. So if you are needing the items immediately, don't use the delivery service. If Free Click and Collect service is not available in your area, then go somewhere else to buy your item, so you will not get disappointed.

By the way, SHOPSM's logistics partner is 2Go. 2Go has a tracking service that allows you to easily check where your items are.

3. Avoid Low on Stock items

I ordered black school shoes and a pair of rubber shoes from the SHOPSM site. Both of them are low on stock with 1 pair each on the inventory, I guess because when I checked them out, both went "out of stock." After a day, I received a confirmation email about my order, then after another day, I received another email saying my order cannot be completed because some of the item/items are no longer available. Of course, it was disappointing. I was not in a hurry but I was excited to receive the products because that was my first time to shop via the site. What's even more disappointing is that the email did not specify which particular products are out of stock.

I checked the items I ordered and I found out that both shoes are low on stock, so I replaced them with items that have enough stocks left and there, it was successful. This is just a tip, it may not always be the case that your order might get canceled if you included items that are low on stock, but just to avoid disappointments and delays, choose other products. But if you are ready to face the consequences and you really like that "low on stock" item then do as you may.

4. Payment choice WAIS tip

You can choose whether to pay via a Credit or Debit card or COD. Since this is a new site, I won't recommend paying via a credit or a debit card because this site seems like it is on a beta stage. We don't know yet how vulnerable it is and how secure are the data being gathered and stored there. But no one's keeping you from using credit and debit cards if that is the most convenient way for you to pay.

By the way, I tried using debit card, I have 4 debit cards but none of them were accepted. Those debit cards are the ones I am using for online purchases, like the Unionbank which I used to subscribe to Netflix; but even the Unionbank debit card was not accepted although it has enough balance to make a purchase.


The safest and wisest choice is to pay COD. Whatever happens, whether your order arrives early of late or it never comes anymore, your fund is safe and secure.

5. Rewarding experience

Probably, most of us are familiar with SM Advantage card - the rewards card owned by SM wherein a customer gets to earn a point with every P200 purchase. You want to earn more without spending long lines in SM malls? Then get your SM Advantage card ready and save its details before checking out in SHOPSM. Yes, you get to earn same points as in the physical SM store, without the hassle. If ever there is one thing I'd love about SHOPSM, it would be this feature because I am a very frugal woman and I enjoy savings and rewards even if they are of a single centavo.

Apart from the points that you can earn with every purchase using the SM Advantage card, you may also enter voucher codes, if you have any. I am not yet familiar with this feature but, I once saw SHOPSM Facebook page shared a discount code. Maybe there would be more in the coming days, so we better keep our social media accounts connected with that of SHOPSM's.

As of this writing, Jan. 10, 2020; 8 in the evening, I still haven't received my order yet. So to those who are interested to know more about my experience in shopping via SHOPSM, for the first time please bookmark this page because I will update this as soon as my order arrives.

How about you, have you already checked out shopsm.com? There are lapses which I am sure the team is looking into and that they doing the best they can to improve the site, but I would still recommend you to try this online shopping platform because you can always count on the authenticity of their products, which is a very important factor to gain the customer trust.