7-Eleven Birthday Week 50% off on Grocery Items and Essentials

     It's the time of the year again, another #711Day is coming up, and this time it’s all about YOU—their loyal customers! Living in unprecedented times is tough, but 7-Eleven hopes to celebrate by giving back to the community and offering exclusive promos and discounts up to 50% off on over 150 grocery items. Get up to 50% off on your favorite grocery items and essentials during 7-Eleven’s birthday week! Save BIG this coming July 1 to 14 with exclusive discounts on over 150 items.

       Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO of Philippine Seven Corporation said that they prepared their big 7-Eleven birthday week with customers in mind. It’s their celebration as much as it is theirs. Giving promos and discounts on basic essentials — is their own little way to help them save during this time. Check out what's in store for all of you from July 1-14, 2020 at your favorite 7-Eleven store below :)

7-Eleven Birthday Week 50% off on Grocery Items and Essentials

How to Cook Kinamatisang Manok for Your Family

     It has been more than 100 days since quarantine and for us who stayed at home for the longest time (unless we need to go outside for work or essentials), discovering a new hobby or skill became an achievement. I know some are not used to staying at home for three months but those who enjoyed this quarantine made a lot of bonding moments with their loved ones through baking or cooking. As we adapt to the new normal way of living, safety precaution must be observed at all times that's why in order to practice social distancing and minimize contact from the outside world, shopping online is still the best option when buying essentials.

     Did you know that you can purchase groceries via PayMaya online? Yes, that's how convenient to have a PayMaya app installed in your mobile phones especially now that we are avoiding the risk of cash handling. We do our weekly grocery of ingredients like fresh produce, meat, and other food items through online stores and use PayMaya as our payment method. Speaking of cooking, there's one recipe that we enjoyed cooking over and over again because it's made of simple ingredients, easy to cook, and healthy. Sharing the recipe of Kinamatisang Manok after the jump.

How to Cook Kinamatisang Manok for Your Family

Red Ribbon Father's Day 2020: Paul, Doug, and Drew on Fatherhood in Quarantine

     What's common with Red Ribbon dad ambassadors, Doug Kramer, Paul Soriano, and Drew Arellano? fatherhood well spent by giving their time indoors. The quarantine allowed them to cement their position as the steadfast pillars of their families, all while keeping a cheerful and cared-for household.

     We all know that fathers are the foundation of the family and they are also like mothers who support the emotional well-being of their children. Some fathers may be goofy, and some may be quiet, but one thing is for sure – dads have that natural ability to bring out the warmest smiles and unyielding courage in everybody within the family. In this trying time, we see our dads carrying on and exhibiting incomparable strength. While their guidance has allowed everyone to remain safe, their sweetness and lighthearted humor have kept the family hopeful and optimistic. This Father's Day, let me share this heart-warming story and tribute to all the #SweetStrongDads from Red Ribbon.

5 Dad-Approved Restaurants for a #DontPayCashPayMaya Father's Day Celebration

     Father's Day is just around the corner and you're in for a hassle-free celebration for dad with the help of PayMaya! While the current public health situation means we can’t go out and celebrate as we used to, it won’t stop us from enjoying our family’s company. Today's celebration under the New Normal entails that we have to be more mindful about physical distancing, including staying at home as much as possible. So if you’re in for an awesome celebration at home like family lunch or dinner, treat your dads with great food from his favorite restaurant 

     You can easily organize Father's Day celebrations from the comfort of your own home as most restaurants today already accept online transactions. And with PayMaya, paying for your orders is not only much easier, but it is also more rewarding. Pay for your meals using only the mobile number registered to your PayMaya account for an added layer of convenience and security. With this payment option from PayMaya, paying is much quicker and easier. By paying online, you also avoid the risk caused by cash handling plus you can even enjoy 1%, 10%, or 100% BalikBayad on your order. 

5 Dad-Approved Restaurants for a #DontPayCashPayMaya Father's Day Celebration

Feature: Hearty Bread Philippines

     In times where health is our number one priority, lifestyle modification is essential. According to nature.com, lifestyle modification involves altering long-term habits, typically of eating or physical activity, and maintaining the new behaviour for months or years. This can be used to treat a range of diseases, including obesity. I'm pretty sure that if there's one thing everyone would like to change or adjust, it is their eating habits especially the staples- rice and bread.

     Cutting on carbs but can’t drop that bread on your diet? If you follow me on Instagram, I’ve said in my previous post that we have a bakery before, and during those times, gluten-free and sugar-free bread has hefty price tags way, way back and the supply is limited. If you’re health-conscious, have diabetes and other medical conditions that require a Gluten-free diet or someone who swears by Keto, luck is on your side because Hearty Bread takes out all the guilt in indulging on your favorite go food. Join me in another healthy food trip as I share more information about Hearty Bread after the jump:)

Feature: Hearty Bread Philippines

Feature: FarmFetch Same Day Vegetable Delivery

     With the increasing number of Covid 19 cases here in the country, it looks like we are still staying at home in the coming months unless there is a very urgent matter or thing to do outside. This pandemic urges everyone to stay at home, stay healthy by building strong immune system and make frequent handwashing a part of our daily life. Aside from taking Vitamin C, one way of boosting our immune system is eating vegetables every day and we are glad that we don’t need to go outside to replenish our stocks at home because there's FarmFetch.

     FarmFetch is a farm-to-table SAME-DAY DELIVERY service that makes it easy for people to get their vegetable supply in just an hour via GrabMart. There are two options available with 5 kilos each of clean, fresh, and carefully picked vegetables. Sharing more information on how to order your favorite veggies at FarmFetch store below :)

Feature: FarmFetch Same Day Vegetable Delivery

4 Best Things To Do in Singapore (After Pandemic- 18 to 24 months)

     Singapore will always have a special place in my heart. The first country that I've been to thrice in a span of ten years- 2008, 2016, and 2019. I lived there for three months in 2008, joined the Safeguard Science Discovery Tour with my son last 2016, and had a short vacation with my family to celebrate my son's birthday last June. There are so many things to do in Singapore. Shopping at the famous shopping spot- Bugis Shopping Centre, eating and drinking to your heart's content at Hawker Centers, exploring Lion City from day to night to watch different attractions and many more!

     However, all of these will be put on hold if you are planning to travel this year. According to health experts and travel authorities, it would take up to 18 to 24 months for the travel industry to recover, and traveling will never be the same again. There will be a lot of changes- expensive plane tickets, additional requirements aside from passport and visa, long hours from boarding to departure for necessary checks, and the list will go on before reaching your destination. Let's face reality and still hope for the best that this pandemic will be over soon so that we can all travel safely once we are really back to normalcy. Sharing 4 Best Things To Do in Singapore based on what we did last year :)

4 Best Things To Do in Singapore (After Pandemic- 18 to 24 months)
Me and Kenzo serving you some mandatory tourist photo :)

Boost the Body’s Immunity Through Nutrition

     The 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has taken the world by surprise with its highly infectious nature and mortality rate. What’s most concerning is that while we know that COVID-19 is part of a large family of viruses that include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), there are many traits of this virus that we have yet to uncover, such as the dynamics of transmission. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it could take up to 18 months for the first COVID-19 vaccines to be made publicly available. Only an approved drug can treat or cure, or prevent the transmission of, COVID-19 and other diseases. In the absence of any vaccine to date, we are left with practical prevention measures, such as maintaining proper hygiene, wearing a mask when necessary, or maintaining social distancing. It may also be useful to keep our bodies strong, so that our immune systems function well. 

     After all, our immune system is one of the most effective forms of defense against viral infections. There are two categories of immune functions in everyone’s body – the innate immunity which prevents diseases from entering the body and adaptive immunity which eliminates or prevents the growth of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, in our body. However, increasing the body’s immunity is not as straightforward as it sounds. There remains much about the immune system that researchers are still working to understand, but what we do know is the tangible connection between the immune system and nutrition.

Boost the Body’s Immunity Through Nutrition 
image from pexels.com

My Intentions for 2020

     Here comes New Year and all things resolution. I've seen a lot of friends sharing lists, ideas, infographics, essays, and even memes to kick off their 2020. Let's start the year right by changing one habit or attitude at a time. Do you have a New Year's resolution or intentions for 2020?

     I became serious about my health and fitness journey six months ago because of a medical condition that prevents me from having another baby. I said to myself that apart from regular exercise, I will also follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, more sleeping hours, and less stress. All these intentions are focused on the physical aspect or area of life and that includes our health. If you are also focusing on being the best version of yourself this year, sharing tips and my personal views on health and wellness after the jump.

My Intentions for 2020
One of my intentions last year is to be STRONG. Yes for a stronger for 2020!

Metro Moms Holiday Pampering 2019 at Lemon Tree Salon and Cafe

     December is one of the busiest months because of reunions, gatherings, and parties. It's also the time of the year where everyone experiences stress from holiday-related stuff that's why we all need to settle down and have me-time to recharge. There are so many things to be thankful for this 2020 and one of those are blogger friends who became sisters in all things mommy and self-care. 

     We created a website called Metro Moms PH with a mantra that “Every mom needs to take care of herself.” Here, we talk about health and wellness, beauty and fashion and lifestyle topics that'll help rock motherhood. In line with this, we went on a much needed holiday pampering and bonding as our first event last year at Lemon Tree Salon and Cafe with our dear readers. Sharing highlights of our sparty after the jump!

Metro Moms Holiday Pampering 2019 at Lemon Tree Salon and Cafe
The Metro Moms PH: Yours truly, Mhaan of Mommy Rockin' in Style, Louisa of The Art of Being a Mom, and Jen Maslang of Shopgirl Jen

Popeyes Alimall Now Open

     Chicken lovers, hear ye! Crispy, juicy, and affordable fried chicken for 2020? YES?! Finally, I've tried the mouthwatering treats from Popeyes during the grand opening of their newest branch in the North located at Ali Mall Cubao.

     It's my first time to taste the juicy and crunchy goodness of Popeyes chicken and all I can say that the flavors are poppin' inside my mouth in just one bite. Cubao foodies rejoice because Popeyes is now within your reach and has introduced its world-famous Cajun flavors in their menu. What's in store for all of you? Read more after the jump!

Popeyes Alimall Now Open

Complete the Festivity with Virginia Season's Delight Ham

     Today is the day! Time to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year and the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. As a tradition, we Filipinos go gaga on how to make Noche Buena special and one for the books. We always make sure that when the clock hits midnight, our grazing table is filled with delectable dishes that will satisfy our love ones.

     Noche Buena is a once a year occasion that's why preparing special dishes is a must. One of the food entrees that we are looking forward to enjoy is Christmas Hams and this year, we discovered a brand with ham variants that will complete the festivity- Virginia Season's Delight Ham. All I can say is yum, yum, yum! Know more about Virginia Christmas Hams after the jump!

Complete the Festivity with Virginia Season's Delight Ham

Kuya J Restaurant Eastwood Now Open + A New Look and Menu

     Delectable food offerings, value for money, and homey ambiance sum up what I usually look for a decent restaurant. I must admit that Filipino food is the least cuisine that I opt whenever we go out for lunch or dinner because, in my head, I can eat those dishes they offer at home (hello, Pinoy Drunken Chef!), but boy I was wrong when I got to taste for the very first time Kuya J Resto's yummy in my tummy dishes.

     Last Friday, I was invited to the opening of its newest restaurant in City Walk Plaza in Eastwood City, Quezon City plus the unveiling of their brand new look and additional food items in their menu.  More about the launch after the jump!

Kuya J Restaurant Eastwood Now Open + A New Look
Kuya J Restaurants Filipino Menu

Wangfu Chinese Cafe Sm City Fairview Parkway

     Chinese food will always have a special place in our hearts because we grew up enjoying noodles like pansit canton and bihon or their comforting foods- dim sum like siomai and sharks fin. So when we received an invite to attend the blessing and grand launch of a Singaporean-Chinese restaurant near our area, we immediately said yes!

     Last November 13, 2019, the 7th branch of Wangfu Chinese Cafe finally opened at SM City Fairview Parkway. It was a well-attended event with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a lion dance and was graced by Wangfu owners Richard Yap, Malou Santos, Ace Wang, and Lester Pimentel. After the ceremony, we got to try the best-selling viands on their menu. Scroll down to see the food offerings that we enjoyed and highly recommend.

Wangfu Chinese Cafe Sm City Fairview Parkway

7-Eleven’s Childhood Classics Promo

     Nothing beats the classics! If you're a 90s baby, prolly you are proud of all things 90s! Feel like a kid again with 7-Eleven’s Childhood Classics promo and don’t miss out on a chance to relive your childhood at Hong Kong Disneyland! 

     We have our Disney Classics reboots, old school playlists, and 90s fashion comebacks but nothing says ultimate throwback quite like 7-Eleven’s latest Childhood Classics promo. Scroll down below to read more!

7-Eleven’s Childhood Classics Promo

Feature: CEB Meals

     Our flight back to Manila was squeezed in between breakfast and lunch that’s why I decided to include pre-ordered meals which I booked together with our tickets. While browsing the website, I noticed that Cebu Pacific has new menu offerings, with vegetarian options and an array of snacks ad meals that include Asian cuisines. 

     Cebu Pacific showcases Asian Flavors in its new pre-ordered meals for snacks and meals that include Chinese, Japanese, and Korean delights. Each meal is offered P250 and upon seeing the selection, I was relieved that some viands are our favorites. Sharing CEB Meals viands we ate during our flight back home inside Cebu Pacific Aircraft. 

Feature: CEB Meals

Say Delizioso to Shakey’s New Prosciutto Parmigiano Pizza

     Italy – a travel destination that is in everyone’s bucket list especially to those who are in for sumptuous food trip and amazing scenic views. Imagine sailing at the Venice Canals or taking your tourist photo at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa while enjoying the richness of taste and culture of Italian cuisine known for the origins of pasta, lasagna and of course pizza. 

     As the country celebrated for inventing pizza, it is a must for visiting tourists to try an authentic Italian pizza and taste the history of one of the most famous and beloved food around the world. However, not everyone can go to Italy. But what if Italy comes to your favorite pizza restaurant and serve you an Italian inspired flavor of a pizza? Starting to crave already? 

Say Delizioso to Shakey’s New Prosciutto Parmigiano Pizza  

Mang-Inasal Palabok Solb sa Busog Merienda Buddy

     Snack time na! What's for merienda? I'm the person who usually eats savory and filling snacks or meals to help me get through the day. As a stay-at-home mom, I still have house chores to do until midnight that's why I need to fuel this momma body for extra energy.

     It's a no-brainer in the fambam that I love Palabok- a satisfying Filipino snack made of noodles, shrimp, meat, eggs, and a special sauce. There's one place where I get my Palabok fix- at Mang Inasal. Great news! Merienda at Mang Inasal has become more exciting with the introduction of the new Palabok!

Mang-Inasal Palabok

Back-To-School Baon Hacks with Jack n' Jill Magic Junior

     Reality sinks in, the kids are really back-to-school. Time to wake up early five days a week, prepare healthy baon and no fuss snacks. My son is so excited to go back-to-school and see his old classmates and meet new friends.

     We are also giddy to do our weekly grocery to buy Kenzo's snacks. My son is active in school and there were times that he skips eating his baon if he sees the same thing every day. Let’s make preparing baon extra special for our little ones by offering them a variety of snacks that will definitely make their school days more magical!

Back-To-School Baon Hacks with Jack n' Jill Magic Junior

7-Eleven Crunch Time Flavorites

     Who here loves chicken? I presume everyone does especially deep fried ones. Everyone loves a plateful of crunchy, juicy fried chicken, but 7-Eleven is kicking things up a notch. Great news, now is the time to go crazy over fried chicken as 7-11 launches new flavors that you will surely love!

     Just when you thought your favorite meal couldn’t get any better, get ready to change the way you enjoy your fried chicken as 7-Eleven lets you flavor your crunch with their newest Crunch Time Flavorites! Have you seen or tried this yet? More information about 7-ELEVEN Crunch Time Flavorites below.

7-ELEVEN Crunch Time Flavorites