Jollibee Fun Catcher: Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids!

     Christmas is the time of giving and sharing. It's the day where kids receive special gifts from their parents, relatives, and loved ones. I'm sure that some of you already have their gifts under the Christmas tree and waiting to be given on Christmas Eve.

     For those who are busy and still have no idea what to give to their kids, inaanaks, pamangkins, and their friends and relatives who have kids, fret not because Jollibee has something special to offer. Presenting this limited edition premium toy- The Jollibee Fun Catcher! More details of this amazing toy below :)

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher

     For kids, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. with the excitement and anticipation of family feasts and the numerous presents they will receive. This holiday season, Jollibee is helping moms and dads get the perfect gift for the kids with the limited edition Fun Catcher.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher

     The battery-operated Fun-Catcher is Jollibee's version of a favorite arcade game-where kids and kids-at-heart are challenged to grab a sweet treat using a joystick-controlled mechanical claw.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Inside the box

Instructions on how operate Jollibee Fun Catcher and to start the game:

1. Unscrew the cover and insert three (3) AA batteries.

2. Open the lid to put the treats.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Put the sweet treats inside Jollibee Fun Catcher

3. Insert the coin to activate the Fun Catcher. Accepted coins are:

• P 0.25
• P 0.50
• P 1.00
• P 5.00
• P 10.00

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Insert a coin to activate the Jollibee Fun Catcher

4. Use the joystick to control the claw and drop the prize into the hole:

• Left joystick to move the claw forward and backward.
• Middle joystick to move the claw left and right.
• Right joystick to move the claw up and down.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Operating and playing instructions of Jollibee Fun Catcher

5. Get the prize!

6. Keep activating the Fun Catcher whenever you're craving for sweet treats!

7. After some time, open the lid at the bottom and get your savings

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher

     Jollibee Fun Catcher is offered for a limited time only. Price is P 425 with every purchase of any Jollibee value meal. This premium toy is available at any Jollibee store nationwide from December 5 to January 31, 2016 only. So hurry moms and dads, go to the nearest branch of Jollibee and get this perfect gift for your kids this holiday season.

     Thank you so much Jollibee for Kenzo's early Christmas gift. He's so surprised and happy when he received this gift weeks ago. He activates his Jollibee Fun Catcher toy everyday. I was watching him yesterday while playing this toy and noticed three things: this toy teaches him how to save money, there are three (3) joysticks, operating the toy can help develop his cognitive development, and he will also learn the art of "try and try until you succeed" virtue- patience!

For more information, visit Jollibee's website 

http://www.jollibee.com.ph/

Good Times!~

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila

     Pasko! Pasko! Pasko na namang muli. Tanging araw na ating pinakamimithi. Pasko! Pasko! Pasko na namang muli. Ang pag-ibig naghahari! It's Christmas already dearies! The Filipino Christmas tradition fills the air. The nine chilly mornings that come with each simbang gabi, the delightful smell and taste of puto bumbong andbibingka treats, the joyous singing of carols, the light that the iconic parol brings, and the warmth of sharing each moment with family and friends over Noche Buena—these are some traditions that make up the unique qualities of a Filipino Christmas.

     This holiday season, KidZania Manila is rekindling the magical experience that only a Filipino Christmas can bring with Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila. Homegrown traditions come alive right at the heart of the play city, enchanting children, and their families and friends. 

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila
KidZania Manila is celebrating Paskong Kai Saya with a 15-foot Christmas tree at the play city’s main square where famillies can have their pictures taken.

     Igniting the spirit of Paskong Kai Saya is a Christmas tree standing in the middle of the main square, accented with capiz ornaments, and topped with a classic Filipino parol. It also serves as a festive backdrop for group photos. Misters and misses can even spread the love and share their positive Christmas messages to others by completing the sentence “Ang Pasko ay Kai Saya dahil…” on the message board near the Christmas tree. To commemorate the moment, developed pictures can be purchased at the PikZ station after the session.

     Adding to the merry atmosphere is a vintage ice cream cart from Magnolia, manned by friendly Mamang Sorbetero. Even Zupervisors, all ready to guide Christmas activity participants, sport the traditional Filipino garb of red scarves and distinctly local straw hats.

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila
Making Christmas the sweetest time of the year at KidZania Manila is the Magnolia Ice Cream mamang sorbetero.

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila
Zupervisors in their straw hats and red scarves say kai to a merry Filipino Christmas.

A very merry Pinoy Christmas

     Exciting activities that tie-in notable Filipino traditions with the important values that KidZania upholds—To Know, To Care, To Share, To Play, To Create, and To Be—are also in store for misters, misses, and their loved ones to enjoy. These interactive and hands-on activities are located at the play city’s main square.

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila
Kids can get crafty this Christmas with KidZania Manila’s paper parol-making activity.

     Kids can celebrate the spirit of giving and share their blessings by being a part of KidZania para sa Bantay Bata. Misters and misses can purchase star-shaped Paskong Kai Saya capiz ornaments that they can hang on their tree at home. All proceeds from the sales of these trimmings can help send the kids of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata program to KidZania Manila to experience the marvels of the play city.

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila
This season of sharing, the play city invites kids and kids-at-heart to give the gift of KidZania Manila and purchase these capiz ornaments for the benefit of Bantay Bata children.

     A feast for the senses awaits the kids as they learn the Filipino way of making delicious childhood favorites puto bumbong and bibingka, courtesy of Via Mare. They can also try their hand at making their own colorful paper lanterns at the Paper Parol-Making Station. 

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila
KidZania Manila and Via Mare present a delicious learning activity for kids: making their favorite puto bumbongand bibingka.

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila

   At the Acting Academy, kids can experience the simple joys of Christmas caroling with instruments made of recycled materials, including drums, coconut-shell maracas, and bottle-cap (or tansan) tambourines. They can also have their faces painted and their portraits drawn by Zupervisors. 

     Apart from these fun activities, families can go home with loot bags filled with special treats from participating Industry Partners: Mercury Drug, Green Cross, Champion, Nestle, McDonald's, Oishi, Universal Robina Corporation, Pioneer, Toy Kingdom, and Coca Cola.

Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila

     Celebrate the joy of a traditional Filipino Christmas and be a part of Paskong Kai Saya sa KidZania Manila! Christmas activities will run all the way up to January 15, 2016. To book tickets and for more information, visit manila.kidzania.com now.

About KidZania

     KidZania is an interactive kids’ city combining inspiration, fun, and learning through realistic role play for kids four to 14. Kids can independently explore a kid-sized city with over 100 exciting roles. Each experience is designed to empower kids, giving them the confidence to be their best selves, and inspiration to be great global citizens. One of the world’s most inventive, most awarded and fastest-growing kid’s educational entertainment concepts, KidZania has 20 locations in 17 countries, including in the Philippines.

     KidZania, Inc., headquartered in Mexico, was founded in 1997, opened its first park in 1999, and is privately held. For more information about KidZania Manila, visit manila.kidzania.com.

     KidZania is locally franchised by Play Innovations, Inc., whose majority stakeholder is ABS-CBN Corporation.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website

     As a mom, I always set in my mind that 'time is gold'. In my opinion, moms are one of the busiest individuals doing different tasks 24/7 at home especially if you're a stay-at-home-mom like me. I'm a father and mother most of the time for Kenzo, doing some of the 'dad jobs' at home. Since time is very important, I will choose all the easy access and hassle-free tasks or transactions that life has to offer. Everyone is online now. You can shop online, pay bills online, do banking online, and do other things or activities online. So aside from banking online, I recently discovered that one financial institution offers a lot of online services and is easily accessible anytime, anywhere! Meet cebuanalhuiller.com!

     The online domain of Cebuana Lhuillier was recently enhanced to consolidate all of the brand's products and services in one website. Besides containing Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier Microinsurance, and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, the new website also contains information on PJ Lhuillier Inc., the mother company of Cebuana Lhuillier brands. It is also equipped with links and a log-in page connecting to the Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Plus online portal and a dedicated section for corporate clients. If you're a loyal Cebuana customer, I'm pretty sure that you will love this online service from Cebuana. Let's take a look, shall we?

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website

     
     Cebuana Lhuillier's website was enhanced and optimized so that a stay-at-home-mom like me and those who have busy schedules will have access on the services that the country's leading financial services provider has to offer.

     Cebuana Lhuillier desires to respond to the increasingly fast-paced, changing times through this consolidated website. It will give access to information on remittance, insurance and pawnshop in one sitting and at the touch of their fingertips. 

     Since most of us are online now, we can squeeze in some of our precious time doing the transactions that we love to do at the Cebuana Lhuillier physical store itself. As of the moment, they are still developing and enhancing the menu on their website to serve us better. There are many things/features that you will like about the enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier enhanced website.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website

     
     cebuanalhuillier.com is your one-stop website for all your remittance, insurance and pawnshop needs. It is your 24/7 access to everything Cebuana Lhuillier. Here are the special features:

Knowledge Base

     Instead of a regular FAQs section, the new Cebuana Lhuillier Website has a knowledge base equipped with its own search engine so it's easier for customers to look for the articles that address their concerns.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website
FAQ section

Branch Locator

      With its geo-tagging feature, the branch locator has been enhanced to not only indicate the location of Cebuana Lhuillier branches but also to show the nearest one. It also lists all of the branches nationwide and all the partners for international remittance.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website
Branch Locator

Appraisal Calculator

      The appraisal calculator allows customers to get an estimated appraisal value so they already have an idea of how much they would get for their pawn items even before they visit a branch. This is very helpful if you want to have a peace of mind bringing your jewelries with you on the branch of your choice. Since you already have an estimate, no need to bring an extra pawnable item/s that sometimes causes one to be uneasy with their bags and personal belongings because he/she have a valuable item inside.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website
Appraisal Calculator, cool!

Mobile Optimized

     The new website has been designed to be easily navigable through a mobile device so customers can conveniently check it even when on the move. The website also has a responsive template meaning you can use it on different gadgets, big or small display. Viewing their website through different smart phone models is easy peasy because of this optimization. 

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website
Say hello to a responsive website :)

Shortcut Menu

     On the first instance of opening the site for each day, a shortcut menu appears, containing its main sections. This is to assists clients with their concerns with fewer clicks and a shorter amount of time.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website

Cebuana Lhuillier App Center

     The app center is a special part of the website that provides links to Cebuana Lhuillier's online applications. Cebuana Lhuillier App- a mobile application that enables clients to avail of Cebuana Lhuillier 24K online features like the appraisal calculator, renewal/redemption, rates inquiry, and remittance tracking, above anything else.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website
Download the app and have an access to these three in an instant!

     
     MicroPINOY- the first microinsurance mobile app that allows users to browse the roster of microinsurance products and services of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions. It also allows clients to get customized insurance quotations online.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website
Micro PINOY

     
     Cebuana Maze- a puzzle game that features Ninong Ceb, the mascot of the Philippines' leading microfinancial and business-to-business solutions partner. The goal is to help Ninong Ceb get through mazes to fin Cebuana Lhuillier branches in different parts of the country.

Meet the Enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website
Cebuana Maze

     
     With the enhanced features of the Cebuana Lhuillier website, I'm glad to say that website made browsing and navigation easy for their loyal patrons who are internet savvy and those who are still newbie on the web. I taught my mom how to navigate the website and she was able to do the transaction she chose to do with ease.

     And because Cebuana Lhuillier wants us to get 100% satisfied with the use of their enhanced website, they are developing more features in the coming days. These features will surely make all the transactions you have at Cebuana Lhuillier a breeze. Upcoming features will involve:

• Live chat
• Online Transactions
• Loans Section

     I'm inviting everyone especially if you're a loyal Cebuana Lhuillier customer to visit their website and download the Cebuana Lhuillier App. Save time and energy of going to the nearest branch especially if you're very busy and cannot squeeze in some time from doing your transactions. No need to worry about the transactions that you need to do once their online transaction service is already functioning. It's a friendly site, easy to navigate, offers almost all the transactions you need to do anytime, anywhere and best of all stay-at-home-moms like me can enjoy it at the comforts of our home! 

Visit the enhanced Cebuana Lhuillier Website now: https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/

Like them on Facebook: Cebuana Lhuillier

Follow on Instagram: @cebuanalhuillier

Good Times!~

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch

    For someone who loves prettifying herself, learning the art of makeup is very easy. If it's your passion, learning how to apply makeup is like a walk in the park. But sometimes, the calling to be a professional makeup artist is there especially if it's really in your blood to put color on a blank canvass. For this instance, a bare face of your friend or your colleague is calling your name because he or she needs help. There is an important occasion that they'll be attending, a wedding perhaps and since she saw your talent on applying makeup he or she will run to you and ask a favor if you could do her makeup.

     Do you have this kind of passion and wanted to pursue a career in professional makeup artistry? Then fret not because there is one institution that will help you achieve your dreams- Makeup Artistry course is now being offered at International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences. I was one of the bloggers who got the first dibs on this course being offered at IAAS. More details about the event that happened last November below :)

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch

Make-up Gura Fanny Serrano and Dr. Rudy Apostol

IAAS or  International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences

• IAAS is a premier and pioneering institution in Aesthetic studies in the country and Southeast Asian region. 
• The International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences offers a wide variety of certificate courses, short-terms, and modular practical training with focus on Aesthetic Science. 
• IAAS implements a curriculum-based training program managed and facilitated by experienced Medical Doctors, Nurses and practitioners who are at the forefront of Aesthetic Clinical practice in the country.

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch

     Aside from makeup artistry, they are also offering certificate and short-term courses that focuses on aesthetic sciences education. If you're planning to take these kind of courses so that you can get a job immediately, then I suggest you to enroll in the following certificate programs below:

1. Medica Aesthetics- a 2-year formal training program composed of one-year-didactics and hands-on clinical experience, and one-year internship program.

2. Cosmetic Nursing- A comprehensive certificate course consisting of 600 hours of classroom lecture and 1000 hours of clinical laboratory.

3. Facial Therapy- A formal training program consisting of 200 hours of didactics and 400 hours of hands-on workshop

4. Hair Science- A professional training program consisting of 200 hours of didactics and 400 hours of hands-on training.

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch
Make-up Guru Fanny Serrano giving his inspirational talk

     During the launch, make-up guru Fanny Serrano gave an inspirational talk to all the guests including bloggers, makeup up artists, and aspiring professional makeup artist. He gave advises that will surely become an inspiration to newbie and pro makeup artists because those words and examples are what he experienced in his make-up artistry career.

Make-up Artistry

     The courses provide an excellent balance between make up theory and hands on practice. Make up classes will initially focus on the fundamental make up skills but will become increasingly more complex as the lessons progress. To make the launch complete and exciting, they've also prepared a makeup demo for all of us.

     It was a very long day because after the talk, there was makeup demonstration courtesy of Inglot. Inglot's makeup artist Ms. Regie Escolin. She chose one of the bloggers, mommy Sol Razo as her model that day. The makeup peg for mommy Sol was the smokey eye makeup perfect for day time look. 

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch
Mommy Sol Razo- pretty and primp wearing all makeup products from Inglot

     After the makeup demo, facial demo came next courtesy of Skin Perfection. This brand is dermatologists-formulated, naturally derived and scientifically proven, Their products are the ones being used by selected facial salons here in our country for those availing oxygen facial treatment. 

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch
Skin Perfection facial skin care products

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch
Skin Perfection facial skin care products

     One of the bloggers (hello, Cristelle) tried the Skin Perfection Oxygen Peptide Facial. A relaxing and results-oriented facial treatment which forms its basis on the revolutionary peptide skin care research, providing a turnkey solution for oil control and acne inflammation, hyperpigmentations, as well as anti-aging. It's a treatment that's being offered in selected facial salons in the metro. This treatment gives intensive skin correction in just 28 days with once a week interval.

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch
Blogger Cristelle Torres having her oxygen peptide facial treatment

     Thank you so much IAAS-International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences for having me. I learned so much during the launch and I will keep in mind what the inspirational speaker, makeup guru Fanny Serrano shared with us. I will also be back to learn more about the services being offered. To all my readers, I'll be trying some of their services by next year and will share with you my experience. 

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences Makeup Artistry Launch
Thank you so much Dr. Apostol and Dra. Cecile Catapang for having us

International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences (IAAS) is located at G/F Narzan Bldg. 3 West 4th St., Brgy. West Triangle Quezon City.

For more information on IAAS and the courses they are offering

visit their website http://www.iaas.com

you may also call them here: (02) 875 8023

Like them on Facebook: International Academy for Aesthetic Sciences

Good Times!~

The power of coming home

     From the small side streets to the country’s major highways, it’s almost a given nowadays for people to experience traffic—with a 30-minute ride turning into a nightmarish 2 hours, especially during the dreaded rush hours.

     Because of this, hardworking employees lose precious time. They get home too late for dinner. Worse, they would inevitably have less energy for family bonding. Consequently, family members seem to have less time to catch up on each other’s lives.

The power of coming home

     Such is unfortunate because according to a study conducted by Debra Manchester MacMannis, the author of the renowned “How’s Your Family Really Doing?”, family dinners play an important part in the development of both children and teenagers because the presence of a parent is pivotal in building them up to be better individuals. The study showed that sharing meals as a family has been found to give kids a boost in the classroom, improve language skills, increase communication, and overall promote better adjustment of kids.

     With a keen understanding of its employees and their needs outside of work, Del Monte Philippines launched an important corporate initiative--COME HOME TO FAMILY WEDNESDATES-- through which the company encouraged its Manila-based employees to leave the office no later than 6:00 PM at least once a week so they can have ample time to travel and make it home in time for family dinners. 

A testament to its success

     With the program in place for over a year now, Del Monte employees have consistently shared pleasant experiences resulting from the initiative.

     “At first there was a bit of hesitation from the employees. It was weird being asked to go home early for Wednesdates,” Gladys Chua, Accounts Payable Supervisor, shared, “but when we complied, we realized it had very positive results. By going home earlier, I realized I can avoid the traffic a bit, so I can get home in time to cook food for my son. Cooking for him and sharing our Wednesdates dinner has become some sort of mini- tradition for us now.”

     Walter Conti, Del Monte’s Customers Activation Manager, along with his wife and kid, has religiously spent Wednesdate with the family since the initiative was first launched. “We bond better now, and all of uslook forward to it. Along with encouraging us to go home early at least once a week, we also get proposed recipes from Del Monte Kitchenomics that we can prepare and share during our Family Wednesdates. We also enjoy taking pictures of our dinners together and posting them online.”

     Ryanne Villanueva, Del Monte’s Demand Management Head, is also a mother to a five year old. Having always relied on her nanny to prepare dinner for them, she shares that she’s able to personally prepare dinner for her child at least once a week. Sometimes, he even helps her out in the preparation. “It increases our bonding moments from the time we prepare to the time he goes to sleep,” she says. “It’s the type of policy that I think every other company should have. From the workforce perspective, work hours are deliberately maximized so employees can get out before 6:00 pm. In fact, I wish it wouldn’t be just Wednesdays, but everyday if possible. If we can do it on Wednesdays, we should be able to do it on other days.”

     “The advocacy may have started as a Del Monte Tomato Sauce campaign, but we at Del Monte Philippines are very deliberate about walking our talk.” Eileen Manuel-Asuncion, Group Head for Marketing explains. “When the campaign launched, we knew we cannot advocate once-a-week family date nights for Filipino families without deliberately espousing the same among our employees. Soon after, we implemented the 6:00 pm lights out at the Del Monte Manila offices. By 6:00 pm every Wednesday, everyone has to be out of the office so they can get home in time to be with their families.”

     As Del Monte employees can attest to, coming home to have dinner with the family—despite the challenges nowadays--is possible. Down the line, Del Monte hopes to do its part in helping strengthen family bonds over good meals across a broader scale--one Filipino home, one Filipino family at a time.