John Lloyd Cruz for Great Taste Coffee #ChooseToBeGreat

     I believe that there is greatness in everyone. It's not all about wealth, fame and power because it comes in many form. It doesn't have to do with material and tangible things, for me greatness also comes from the heart, from the simple things that we do for our family and in for our country. Greatness is within every Filipino. 

     It has many forms that can just instantly come in any situation, at no particular place or time. From game-changing choices to simple, unplanned acts of kindness, greatness can thrive every day. Believing in the remarkable traits of Filipinos is Great Taste Coffee. I was invited weeks ago in an afternoon of food and meaningful conversations over a cup of Great Taste Coffee and met their newest endorser. See highlights of the #ChooseToBeGreat event below :)

John Lloyd Cruz for Great Taste Coffee #ChooseToBeGreat 

   
     Through the years, constant innovation has allowed the brand to constantly introduce new and better ways to enjoy a cup of coffee. As it continues to help bring out the greatness in every Filipino, Great Taste Coffee introduces a new endorser to join its journey of serving even greater experiences to its loyal consumers.

John Lloyd Cruz for Great Taste Coffee #ChooseToBeGreat 
Great Taste White 3-in1, one of my favorite flavors from the variant Great Taste White

   
     Great Taste treated us to a  preview of Great Taste Coffee’s newest campaign featuring John Lloyd Cruz. The new campaign captures the respect and admiration that he and the brand have for Pinoy’s greatness. It was an inspiring event after hearing what their newest endorser's notion of greatness.

John Lloyd Cruz for Great Taste Coffee #ChooseToBeGreat
Like Great Taste Coffee, brand endorser John Lloyd Cruz is a staunch admirer of the Filipinos’ everyday greatness.

   
     During the event, Great Taste introduced a story-teller and celebrated showbiz personality- John Lloyd Cruz as its newest brand endorser. The coffee shop-themed event treated media guests in various activities that showcased Great Taste’s celebration of the Filipino’s everyday greatness. Lloydie, as what his fans often call him is I think one perfect endorser for Great Taste Coffee. He's a good actor and very humble and down-to-earth showbiz personality.

John Lloyd Cruz for Great Taste Coffee #ChooseToBeGreat
L-R: Edwin Canta- SVP and Business Unit General Manager of URC, Cornelio Mapa- EVP and Managing Director of URC, John Lloyd Cruz- Great Taste Coffee Newest Endorser, and Lance Gokongwei- President and CEO of URC

   
     “We are very pleased to have John Lloyd Cruz as the latest addition to the Great Taste family. As our endorser, we believe he will reinforce our values and philosophy with the same kind of passion and greatness that he has exemplified in his life,” said Universal Robina Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Gokongwei.

     Like Great Taste Coffee and John Lloyd Cruz, Filipinos can achieve greatness—from small triumphs, to great milestones. Choose to be great with Great Taste Coffee, available at all leading supermarkets, convenience stores, and sari-sari stores nationwide.

Good Times!~

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Give the Gift of Light Advocacy

     The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® partners with My Shelter Foundation to give solar powered lamps to underprivileged children from the Dumagat tribe. This advocacy will happen this Earth Day. The authority in coffee, through its Caring Cup program, is supporting the United Nations’ 7th goal for sustainable development: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY.

     Did you know that there are great number of communities in the Philippines who still continue to live without electricity in their homes? Can you imaging how they go through their life everyday, during night time where light is important to do tasks at home? The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is hoping to do its part to respond to the need by giving the gift of light through its partnership with My Shelter Foundation for its Liter of Light project. Get to know more about the project below and join this meaningful advocacy.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Give the Gift of Light Advocacy

The Liter of Light (or Isang Litrong Liwanag) Project 

• An initiative that brings solar lamps to communities that lack electricity. 
• Recent developments have enabled My Shelter Foundation to convert common kerosene lamps into a medium that gives people access to sustainable light. 
• Kerosene lamps are one of the cheapest light devices in energy poor areas, yet the downside is that they let out toxic smoke harmful to the health of individuals. 
• Through the Liter of Light project, the kerosene lamps are made clean, becoming a source of light that does not give off harmful fumes through a combination of a simple circuit, LED, solar panel, and battery. 

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Give the Gift of Light Advocacy

     The Coffee Bean and & Tea Leaf® will be giving you the chance to experience being a Solar Lamp Volunteer for a day. If you wish to participate, here are the things you need to know:

• The activity will happen this coming April 23, 2016 at 26th St. Bistro store in Bonifacio Global City from 3PM – 5PM.
• For only P950, you will be taught how to build a solar lamp. 
• Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to participate in an activity that is not only educational, but also meaningful as the children are empowered at a young age to help those who are in need. 
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is raising 100 eco-friendly solar lamps, all of which will be donated to the underprivileged public school students from the Dumagat Tribe. 
• To make a pledge and to know more details on the campaign and project, e-mail caringcup@coffeebean.com.ph

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Give the Gift of Light Advocacy

     The Dumagats are a community situated in Gabaldon, one of the most isolated villages in the Nueva Ecija Province. Nomadic in nature, the tribe has continued to live their simple day-to-day lives without electricity. Even with roughly 60 families living around the village center and others scattered around the mountain range, the Dumagats live far apart from each other, making it difficult to provide a centralized supply of electricity. That is why a workable solution to this problem is to provide each family with a solar lamp that can provide light to each household in order to assist with their sustainable livelihood of luya and gabi plantations. 

     Be an advocate of sustainable development and celebrate Earth Day with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®! Enjoy a sense of fulfillment that can only come from being a light to others.

BE THE LIGHT BY GIVING THE GIFT OF LIGHT! 

Good Times!~

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open

     Hello dearies! Last week, I was invited to the store opening and blessing of Book & Borders Cafe's second branch in Mckinley Hill, BGC. Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany is the newest read.sip.dine destination in the heart of Mckinley where coffee and book lovers will surely frequent to and enjoy the relax ambiance while reading their favorite book and sipping their favorite drinks.

     The latest themed café in Mckinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, Book & Borders will be one of newest destination and popular hangouts for book, coffee, pasta, and cake lovers in the metro. Book & Borders puts itself in a class of its own, distinguishing itself as a haven for people who want to enjoy a more relaxed afternoon, sipping their favorite brew and immersed in their favorite books. Highlights of the event below :)

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!

     According to cafe owner Kristine Simisim, you can relish the quiet, tucked in your little corner where you can enjoy your coffee or tea and of course indulge in book worms' favorite pastime-reading. The cozy and relaxed ambiance will surely make you and your book lover friend enjoy every visit at Book & Borders Cafe. There's a big book shelf upon entering the cafe where you can read best-selling books, premium reading materials, and other literary pieces.

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!

Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany offers the following:

• Extensive selection of books, from the classics to contemporary bestsellers that you can read for free and enjoy them at your leisure. 
• The library is free and open for all, and for a better reading experience, customers are invited to use the book stands available at the café. 
• But the bestsellers are not only limited to the books on the shelves, you can find them on the menu as well. 
• Do indulge your sweet tooth with scrumptious varieties of cakes and squares. 
• For something more filling, the menu also offers delicious pastas and sandwiches.
• Indulge in their famous brewed coffee and cold coffee-concoctions.
• They also offer an array refreshing smoothies, calming teas and juices. 

     “I’m so ecstatic that there’s finally a place for people like us. It’s cozy and inviting, and you won’t get too distracted like in crowded cafes. ‘Books + coffee’ spells the perfect afternoon,” shares Kapuso artist and budding poet Benjamin Alves. 

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
 At the grand opening of Book & Borders Tuscany, from left to right; Benjamin Alves, Michael Lao, Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon, Kristine Joyce Simisim and Chef Dennis Apostol

    “What I love about Book & Borders is that there’s always something new to discover because they constantly update their library. So even if you just want to browse, all the recent best sellers are on the shelves,” shares Karylle, a self-proclaimed bookworm and travel books collector. 

    Aside from Book & Borders bestseller: Queso de Bola Cake, Truffle Mushroom Pasta, Tuyo Pasta and Beef Pastrami Panini, there are new dishes added to the menu to satisfy those hungry fangs. They now serve hearty rice dishes plus additional pasta and cake variants. Below are some of the newest food offerings at Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany branch.

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Barbeque Liempo
Bottom: Tamarind Lemongrass Chicken

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Chicken Parmigiana Au Gratin with Creamy Pesto
Bottom: Seafood Aligue Carbonara

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Shrimp Salad in Ciabatta Sandwich

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Ginger Raspberry Iced Tea

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Carrot Cake
Bottom: Chocolate Cake

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany wants to say thank you to Alessi housewares and kitchen utensil company from Italy.

    Thank you so much Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany for having me. You can 'Read.Sip.Dine' in this library inspired cafe anytime you want at the heart of Mckinley Hill.

     Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany is located RC-RCM and RD-RDM Building 5, Tuscany Estates, Mckinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City. You may call them on (0932) 871 7856 for more details.

For more news and updates on Book and Borders Cafe:

Like them on Facebook: Book and Borders Cafe

Follow them on Twitter: @bookandborders

Follow them on Instagram: @bookandborderscafe

Good Times!~

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee

     Are you craving for authentic Italian cuisine? If you love coffee, gelato, pasta, pizza, and anything Italian, there's one place that will satisfy all your Italian food cravings- Casa Italia! This cozy place located in the heart of Bonifaco Global City opened recently and I was one of the invited bloggers to get the first dibs on what they are offering. As a coffee lover, I was so excited to have a taste of what they boast as the freshest coffee in town.

     Don't be intimated because authentic need not to be expensive, right? Casa Italia, which means Italian house in English, offers a wholesome array of real Italian dishes served in a fast, casual dining setting, transporting food-lovers straight to Italy. Wanna see what's in store for you when you visit Casa Italia? Scroll down and see the highlights of the event below.

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee

     Casa Italia is a modern-day interpretation of the traditional Italian bar. This newest place to have an authentic Italian food boasts of micro-roasted Coffee Otto, handcrafted premium gelato, freshly made favorites—including salads, and oven-baked pizzas and paninis—Italian beers, and wine.

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee

     If you will ask me if a trip to Casa Italia is worth it since I live two-three hours away from BGC, my answer is a resounding YES! Why?

1. Casa Italia restaurant uses only the finest quality ingredients and traditional Italian cooking techniques, allowing diners to have a taste of Italy anytime they wish. 

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee
L-R: Beef Lasagna, Chicken Cannelloni, Roast Chicken with Potatoes, and Fish with Siciliana Sauce

2. Casa Italia offers its signature coffee blend called Otto, or eight in Italian. This is because the restaurant uses 100% Arabica beans that are never more than eight weeks old from roasting, guaranteeing full-bodied freshness in every cup. 

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCofffee
Grande-sized cappucino

3. Casa Italia also have gelatos. Diners choose from more than 40 all-natural flavors ranging from Dark Truffle, Pistachio, classic Vanilla, and even Durian, as well as tangy fruit sorbets, and other variants that are infused with liquor. 

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee
Bailey's Gelato and a grande size gelato (3 scoops)

     More than just a dining destination, Casa Italia is a place one can call a second home, where people can delight in good Italian food made from honest, fresh ingredients and prepared in the passionate Italian way. Congratulations Casa Italia for a very successful launch. We had a blast at the grand launch and we enjoyed delicious Italian food including the yummy gelatos, pizza, and pasta!

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee
Casa Italia team in the first-ever gelato toast

     Savor the art of authentic Italian food, and express your love for real Italian gelato and coffee at Casa Italia. Make it a dining experience to remember and join the conversation online by using the hashtags #ILoveCasaItaliaPH, #BestGelatoEver, and #FreshestCoffee. Here's the menu in case you're wondering what to order at Casa Italia aside from gelato, coffee, and pizza.

Casa Italia Grand Launch #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee
Casa Italia Menu

     Visit Casa Italia at Forbestown Road, Burgos Park Bonifacio Global City for authentic Italian cuisine. I highly recommend their food offerings and I'm pretty sure that once you dine there with your family and friends, you'll definitely enjoy your stay. 

For more information on Casa Italia,

Like them on Facebook: CasaItaliaPH

Follow them on Instagram: @CasaItaliaPH

#ILoveCasaItaliaPH #BestGelatoEver #FreshestCoffee

Good Times!~

7-Eleven City Blends makes JaDine the new ambassadors for Honest-To-Goodness Coffee

     Before this event happened, I've already tried all the flavors of City Blends Coffee at 7-Eleven. Their coffee blend offerings are rich, creamy, tasty, and super affordable. Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), country licensee of leading convenience store chain 7-Eleven, present James Reid and Nadine Lustre as the new faces of City Blends Coffee.

     With James and Nadine staying atop social media trends due to their undeniable charisma as well as the relatable kilig that they bring to fans of all ages, 7-Eleven has really found the honest and down-to-earth personalities that are the perfect fit for City Blends coffee.

7-Eleven City Blends makes JaDine the new ambassadors for Honest-To-Goodness Coffee
#JaDneFor711

Honest-to-goodness hype

     Fan response to the selection of the two has been positive across the board, with Reiders and Naddicts alike sharing the teasers, memes, as well as lines from the TVC on social media causing #JaDineFor711 to trend on Twitter.

     The overwhelming fan response has prompted 7-Eleven to release an exclusive never-before-seen footage from the TVC and print shoot plus the alternate endings that fans are asking for – what James could have said to Nadine. This is also 7-Eleven’s way to thank JaDine fans for the unexpected support, as well as for integrating the hugot lines in their social media posts. Apparently it’s hard to move on, especially when we’re talking about James Reid and Nadine Lustre. And that’s a good thing for #JaDineFor711.

Honest-to-goodness Coffee

     With JaDine as the new endorsers, City Blends gets its well-deserved turn in the spotlight. The coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, with each cup made fresh as you order. The City Blends machine grinds the beans on the spot, giving you unparalleled freshness: the secret to quality coffee. Even the pricing is great, with City Blends cups starting at 20 pesos, honest! 

7-Eleven City Blends makes JaDine the new ambassadors for Honest-To-Goodness Coffee

     To excite fans even further, 7-Eleven is releasing limited edition City Blends cups with photos of JaDine! The 8oz cup features Nadine, the 12oz cup features James, and the 16oz cup features the couple. The JaDine cups do not only have hugot quotes from the TVC, they are also interactive so customers can have fun writing their own honest hugot as well. 

     Aside from its brewed coffee, City Blends also offers other flavors such as French Vanilla, Mochaccino and Hershey's Dark Chocolate. 

     Try the new 7-Eleven City Blends coffee currently available now at 562 7-Eleven branches nationwide, and at 712 stores nationwide by the end of the year! Watch out for more of #JaDineFor711! 

To know more about City Blends and other offerings from 7-Eleven,

 Like them on Facebook: 711philippines

Follow them on Twitter: @711philippines

Follow them on Instagram: @711ph

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully 2015 Holiday Launch

     It's a no brainer that Christmas is the most anticipated holiday of the year here in our country. We are very excited when our calendars hit the BER months. We are all busy thinking of Christmas parties, reunions and shopping for Christmas gifts. Behind all these things, have you paused for a while and said to yourself that "I've been good this year", "I've achieved the plans that I envisioned last year" and Thank you, Lord for all the blessings." We are all blessed, big or small a blessing is a blessing. It doesn't matter what kind of blessings we have received this year and in return of all these, how will you give flavorfully?

      This was the question during the launch of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully event that made me think of all the things I have in life. I've realized that I'm truly blessed and there are people who despite all the hard work still lack something in their life. I can say I'm blessed because I have a family who value giving and caring for other people in need. That's why my mission this holiday season is to  help someone in need flavorfully. 

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully 2015 Holiday Launch

     During the launch, we we're asked to write something that we'll do flavorfully this holiday season. We wrote the things we want to do in the 'flavorfully' wall. It's nice to know that we all want to do something fulfilling in the spirit of the yuletide season. 

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully 2015 Holiday Launch
Sharing with you what I'll do flavorfully this holiday season on this wall

     Christmas season started early with the launch of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's 2015 Holiday offerings which include two special flavors that make the perfect companions for this season and these comes in two variations: an iced drink and a warm latte. 

     Toffee Nut Flavor is for the fans with a sweet tooth. A holiday tradition inspired drink that compromises of a buttery caramelized sugar with a hint of nut, paired with the richness of espresso and a sprinkle of toffee bits

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully 2015 Holiday Launch
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2015 Holiday drinks: Toffee Nut and Winter Dream

     Winter Dream Tea is another offering that  you should not miss. This is a drink that will be a hit in your taste buds if you're a patron of rooibos and black tea. These beverage is truly what holiday dreams are made of as this is blended with sweet spices and hints of vanilla.

     Aside from the two special drink offerings, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® hopes to give flavorfully this season in ways that warm the soul as much as the body. As a way to encourage its community to brew their best years, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® will also be releasing a new edition of The Giving Journal. It is a journal designed to inspire each individual to pursue their passions and find meaning and fulfillment in everyday moments, while at the same time providing them with the opportunities to give back by helping others.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully 2015 Holiday Launch
The Giving Journals 2016

     During the event, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf team showed us The Giving Journals in purple, tan and light blue colors. If you love writing simple things you do everyday, this journal is a must. It's simple yet full inspirations inside- it's a diary you can say your own. Plan your travels, jot down notes, score freebies because there are exciting coupons inside too!

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully 2015 Holiday Launch
The Giving Journal 2016 in Purple

     It is the tradition of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® to give back to the community, and it has partnered with Real LIFE foundation, the Giving Journal’s beneficiary, to fulfill this tradition by supporting the educational needs of the less fortunate. To date, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has already sponsored 38 university scholars since 2011 – giving them the chance to fulfill their dreams, help their families, and improve their prospects for a brighter future. At present, the brand is proud to share that 13 of the sponsored scholars have already graduated. 

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Give Flavorfully 2015 Holiday Launch

     Evidently, The Giving Journal is certainly not your ordinary planner; it is a gift where the joy of giving and receiving it lasts well past the holiday season. It is also a journal where you'll give hope to the scholars in fulfilling their dreams. Share the gift of education to the chosen scholars by purchasing The Giving Journal 2016 and from this, you'll be able to give flavorfully to one individual. Thank you so much The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for having me and letting me share what I need to fulfill before the year ends and this coming holiday season.

For more information on  The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® Philippines 2015 Holiday offerings

Like them on Facebook: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines

Follow them on Twitter: @CBTLPH @BREWPH 

Follow them on Instagram: @CBTLPH @BREWPH

Subscribe to: brewyourbestyear.com

Good Times!~

3 Ways To Beat the Summer Heat with J.CO

     The heat is on and it's getting hotter and hotter everyday. I can say it's already extreme! I can see it, I can feel it and I can touch it! This weather is making me sick but I've heard that there are ways where I can relax, enjoy summer and beat this insane heat. Just in time for summer, one of the most favorite donut and coffee chains here in our country is treating everyone with their limited J.COFFEE creations: White Choco Frappe and White Choco Espreso Frappe! Click CONTINUE READING and read more on how you can enjoy summer at J. CO Stores :)

3 Ways To Beat the Summer Heat

J.CO Donuts & Coffee J. COFFEE Launch

     I'm always wondering why this particular donut store have long queues until I finally got to taste their Mc Green Tea flavor. I love anything green tea and J.CO's green tea offerings (donuts and frappe/freeze) made a lasting mark on my palate. It's one of the original flavors of the infamous J.CO Donuts and Coffee. It's a no brainer that J.CO Donuts hit the country by storm because of unique flavor and distinct taste of their donuts.

     I presume that you already know J.CO Donuts and Coffee so now for the coffee lovers out there, have you tried J.Coffee? Donuts and coffee go pretty well together, isn't it? J.CO not only serves mouth-watering donuts but brews up cups of delicious coffee, as well, in the form of its J.COFFEE hand-crafted beverages. Here's a little story of the J.Coffee Launch and what coffee lovers like me learned that afternoon. Click CONTINUE READING and know why it's good to share a cup of coffee the J.CO way!

J.CO Donuts & Coffee J. COFFEE Launch
Let's share a cup of coffee the J.CO way!

Feature: Nice Day Coffee

     Hello to all the coffee lovers out there! Have you seen or have tried this coffee brand yet? I've seen this brand in supermarket and grocery shelves months ago and the variants irked the curiosity in me but wasn't able to try them because my husband wanted the plain 3-in-1 coffee nothing more, nothing less. So I decided to skip the shelves where Nice Day Coffee is located every time we're on our grocery shopping. 

     Do you believe that if the product is meant for you, it's for you? I do! I'm so excited to share with you that my longing to taste Nice Day Coffee came true when I was invited to the launch of Posh Nails Whitening Manicure and Pedicure Treatment. Nice Day Coffee white variant is their partner in the whitening department because the variant is being served every time you avail the Whitening Manicure and Pedicure service. Nice Day Coffee was so generous because after the event, I went home with months supply of Nice Day Coffee in White, Cleanse and Slim variants. Taste the new way of skin whitening, figure slimming and body cleansing with Nice Day Coffee! Click CONTINUE READING to know more about the product!

Feature: Nice Day Coffee