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!~

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch

     Last April 5, the company marked two wonderful milestones as it announced the addition of some of the country’s most well-loved actresses to its roster of brand ambassadors as well as the launch of an exciting new service. Held at the Luxent Hotel, BlueWater Day Spa prepared a relaxed yet fun afternoon, showcasing the new ambassadors who performed during the event and gamely answered the questions of the invited press and media.

     I was surprised with the number of guests, most of them were friends from the media, bloggers, brand partners and the owners of BlueWater Day Spa together with their close friends and families. It was a blissful afternoon and all of us enjoyed the relaxing ambiance while waiting for the ambassadors. The event also introduced a new kind of service that will be offered in BlueWater Day Spa branches. Highlights of the event below!

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch

     Initially envisioned as a relaxing oasis, BlueWater Day Spa is a place where serenity wraps around you, comforting you amidst the chaos of city life. It is owned by Mr Francis Simisim who envisioned of putting up a wonderful selection of massage and relaxation services based on the best practices being used all over the world.

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
BlueWater Day Spa brand ambassadors with Mr. Francis Simisim, Mary Simisim, and Nancy Go

      BlueWater Day Spa’s brand ambassadors have served as inspiring examples that in spite of being go-getters and achievers in their own right, it’s imperative that they also make time to take care of their bodies to lead a more fulfilling, balanced life. These brand ambassadors were introduced during the event and some told us their favorite service/s at BlueWater Day Spa.

     Fresh faces of BlueWater Day Spa was introduced during the launch. Here are the brand endorsers who were present during the launch:

     Mercator Models-from stressed to rest these lovely talents show how they are able to better take care of themselves with the help of BlueWater Day Spa.

• Brazilian heartthrob, Fabio Ide 
• Sam Ajdani (Mr World 2015)
• Philippe Escalambre (Model)
• Mark McMahon (Actor/Model)
• Amadeo Leandro (International Model)
• Brent Javier (Model)
• Bianca Guidotti (Miss International 2014/Beauty Queen)

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
Mercator Models

     Young and good looking talents from the Kapuso network – GMA-7, who are also part of BlueWater Day Spa’s roster of brand ambassadors.  Theay are four of the hottest talents from the network, whose busy schedules need to be balanced with well-deserved me-time to keep them looking and feeling fresh.

Mike Tan 

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
Mike Tan

Ervic Vijandre

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
Ervic Vijandre

Benjamin Alves

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
Benjamin Alves

Aljur Abrenica

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
Aljur Abrenica

     The newest brand ambassadors were also introduced and BlueWater Day Spa was excited to formally introduce and welcome, Nikki Gil as part of the spa's growing family. Nikki is equally elated to be one of BlueWater Day Spa’s brand ambassadors, saying how hard it was for her to find quiet time to recharge and be ready for the various challenges she faces at work. She thanked BWDS for being her haven and hideaway, a place where she can be alone and recharge. 

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
Anthony Semerad and Nikki Gil

     Nikki performed in the middle of the event and after the performance they introduced young athlete, Anthony Semerad who, along with Nikki, has made a name for himself in the industry for both his athletic talent and good looks, who is currently part of the GlobalPort Batang Pier team in the PBA. However, long hours of training and various work commitments should always be balanced by ample rest and a proper diet. This is why Anthony is very grateful to be part of the BlueWater Day Spa family, as it allows him to give his body the much-needed treat that it deserves to stay fit and healthy. 

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch
Kim Chiu

     Last but definitely not the least, BlueWater Day Spa is proud to welcome another well-known talent to its roster of brand ambassadors. Well-loved by many for her girl next door appeal, charm and beauty, Kim Chiu has been a favorite by fans as well as brands since she started in showbiz. As one of the most hardworking and highly-visible young actresses in the industry today, one might wonder how does Kim able to balance it all. 

     As the face of BlueWater Day Spa’s latest service the totally relaxing, traditional Balinese four hand massage. 

Balinese Four Hand Massage:

• This massage basically is a massage were two therapists work in unison, perfectly coordinate on both sides of the body. 
• BlueWater Day Spa is the first spa in the country to offer this treatment wherein guests will be able to experience the deeply restorative benefits of having two therapists working as one. 
• BlueWater Day Spa invites everyone to submit themselves to the healing powers of four hands as tension is relieved and muscles stretched. 

BlueWater Day Spa Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage Launch

      During the event, they also revealed different promos for the guests and were assured of many more exciting things lined up for BlueWater Day Spa this year. One of them is the special introductory price for the Traditional Balinese Four Hand Massage. Their Summer Promo includes a 50% off on selected treatments until May 31, 2016. Treat your family and friends to a wonderful and relaxing experience at BlueWater Day Spa.

Visit BlueWater Day Spa at the following branches:
Ortigas-Greenhills (Tel No 7278420)
Makati (Tel No 8173126)
Capitol Hills (Tel No 4730455)
Eastwood City (Tel No 9151247)
Cotabato City (Tel No 09228399751)
Naga City (09177391822)

For more information about BlueWater Day Spa,
Like them on Facebook: BlueWater Day Spa
Follow them on Twitter: @bluewaterdayspa
Follow them on Instagram: @bluewater_day_spa

Good Times!~

Feature: SM Stationery Art Fest

     The recently concluded first SM Stationery Art Fest was a success! This 5-day event held at SM Megamall's Mega Fashion Hall made the artsy and the budding artist ecstatic and super happy because during the event, they're or rather we (I was there on the first day) in art heaven! The first ever SM Stationery #SMStationeryArtFest showcased popular arts and crafts like Calligraphy, Painting, Doodling, and Comic Book Illustration with a fresh, exciting spin from young and talented artists.

     I have a son who is a budding artist. He loves drawing and coloring that's why I always buy art materials and make sure that he is using the best brands of arts and crafts materials in the market today. During the event, I saw four of the well-love arts and crafts brands in the market today who also happened to be the partner brands of the event like Faber Castell Coloring Materials, Pentel Arts, Titus Pens, and IFEX Fine Papers. They have designated booths and some of their best-selling and new products were on display. More highlights of the event below :)

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 

   
     For the first day of the event, I went to each booth and check out the latest products on display. First up, the booth of Pentel. This brand has been in the market for 70 years and until now they are producing high quality products. During the event, they highlighted their Pentel Arts line of  art products suitable for kids and kid-at-heart!

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
Pentel Arts' Art Sets and Oil Pastels

     They have art sets on display which include a coloring book, a set of pentel color pens, and oil pastels. There's also what I call adult set containing a drawing book, oil pastels, and jumbo pentel markers. Oh by the way, Pentel is looking for brand ambassadors. If you got what it takes to be one of them, send an email to pentelambassador@gmail.com with your name, contact details, email, address, and school to get an application form.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
Pentel Arts

   
     Next booth made me so giddy because drum roll please... it's all about adult coloring book! OBRA Adult Coloring Book offers different images and pictures that I'm sure adult coloring book addicts will really like.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
OBRA Adult Coloring Book

   
     If you're into fashion there's OBRA Fashionista, Hibla, and Tinta. For the fantasy lovers, Fantasia, Mandala, and Manika will be your stress-relievers while the nature lovers will surely enjoy coloring the pages of Flora and Fauna, Sanctuario, Atlantika, Geomalia, and Botanica. If you're into random things and objects Psychedelic, Arkitectura, Obra, Graphika, Imago, and Viaje.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
OBRA Adult Coloring Book     

   
     Another brand that I'm sure you've been buying since childhood if you're into drawing and coloring is Faber Castell. This brand is making waves in the colored pencil industry. They are producing beautiful colored pencils in sleek attractive tin pencil cases.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 

   
     Faber Castell became a well-known brand for pencil and colored pencil but their product line is growing now here in the country. They also have colored pens, markers, oil pastels, and what Kenzo is itching to use for days now- watercolor pencils! So if you're into water color, go get this one :)

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 

   
     This rising brand has taken the country doodler by storm. I'm not sure if you've already heard the word 'doodle' but this term became famous two years ago if my memory serves me right. Google it and doodle means to draw or sketch aimlessly. Sketching would be my best definition of doodle and Titus Pens gave a more colorful meaning to doodling.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest
Titus Pens products

   
     At the Titus Pens booth, I saw different ball pens in different colors! These colored ball pens from Titus are addicting to use. Since Titus pens have a wide-array of colors, you can now draw and color using one ball pen. The photo below shows a work of art using Titus Pens, amazing!

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
iDoodle Manila using Titus Pens

   
     Here's a closer look at Titus Pens colored ball pens and writing materials. I like all the colors of this ball pen and been using them to write on my planner the day I got hold of the set.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
Titus Pens

     
     Pilot- one of the trusted ball pen brands was also there to introduce new writing products that will take writing further. Introducing Pilot Parallel Pens. A breakthrough in calligraphy pen design, this pen features a nib that consists of two parallel plates, allowing the writer to produce lines sharper than existing calligraphy pens. Ink cartridges can be switched in the pen to create gradated color lines and mixed colors.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
Pilot Parallel Pen

   
     This calligraphy pen is refillable. • Major breakthrough in calligraphy pen design! • The Parallel Pens come in four nib widths: 1.5 mm, 2.4 mm, .38 mm and 6.0 mm • Unique parallel plate structure achieves a more beautiful and sharper handwriting than existing calligraphy pens • Mixable colors-simply touch the nibs of two Parallel Pens together to create beautiful color graduations • Refillable with Parallel refill-single color (boxes of 6 ea.) or assorted box of 12 *Cap color indicates point size, not ink color

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 

   
     And last but not the least- IFEX Paper or International Fine Exchange Paper. Drawing, coloring, doodling, and calligraphy will not be complete without a canvass which mostly are made of paper. All drawing starts in a piece of paper right? IFEX aims to improve product offering to suit all your specialty paper needs, to be a reliable paper consultant and to give better customer service.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
IFEX Products- stationery sets, gift cards, offset papers, digital papers, and fine arts

   
     This event also featured several individuals in different field of arts and design. They were the speakers during the event who gave tips and shared their techniques in their chosen field. Celebrity blogger and fashion design student Dani Barretto shared her thoughts on fashion design; while Harvey Tolibao, who has done work for Marvel and DC Comics, helped the participants illustrate their favorite Marvel characters with his comic books illustration workshop.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
Dani Barretto and Harvey Tolibao

     It is said that legendary Apple founder Steve Jobs had a background in calligraphy, which influenced him in creating his ground- breaking products. During the event, today’s techies have a second look at it with workshops by The ABCs of Hand Lettering author Abbey Sy, and freehand calligrapher Alexis Ventura shared their styles and techniques on typography and calligraphy.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest 
Alexis Ventura

     Doodle enthusiasts had fun doodling with Doodle Art Enthusiasts Head Lei Melendres; while caricaturist, graphic designer, illustrator, and painter Aaron Manaloto and artist and designer Vin Quilop shared some of their painting techniques in oil pastel and water color painting.

Feature: Sm Stationery Art Fest
Caricaturist, graphic designer, illustrator and painter Aaron Manaloto and
Doodle Artist Lei Melendres,

   
     There was also exhibition of artworks of these young artists and on-ground activities of the participating brands last April 13 to 15, 2016. Shoppers who purchased items at least worth P300 at the Mega Fashion Hall also got a chance to join the workshop prepared by SM Stationery and partner brands. To make the event more fun and exciting, they also gave special prizes to the workshop attendees at the end of the workshop. 

     The latest arts and crafts collection are available at the SM Stationery Section at the SM Stores. 

For more info on SM Stationery, visit their website www.smstationery.com.ph 

Like them on Facebook: SM Stationery

Follow them on Instagram: @smstationeryph

Good Times!~

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch

     The happiest place in the metro (for me and Kenzo) as of the moment- KidZania Manila recently inaugurated a booth where kids can do big things in the world of art and design. Kenzo is a budding artist that's why during the event, he truly enjoyed his experience at KidZania Manila's National Art and Design Academy.

     The misters and misses that day saw a new and colorful light with the opening of the National Art and Design Academy. This successful partnership of National Bookstore and Dong-A made us more excited to visit KidZania Manila! The play city now has maestros who'll be creating wonderful masterpieces. Kids who love to draw and paint can now express themselves artistically inside the booth. Highlights of the launch below :)

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch

     KidZania Manila’s National Art and Design Academy was launched recently, through a gathering of Filipino artists. Hosted by LA Ferriols, the launch gave attendees a sneak peek into the exciting and art-filled experience that kids are set to enjoy. The unveiling was also attended by the park's state governor, Maricel Arenas-Pangilinan and representatives from National Bookstore and Dong-A.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch

     The event was also graced by special guests including art prodigy Hamzah Marbella, visual artist Tokwa Peñaflorida, and graphic artist Dan Matutina.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Visual artist Tokwa Peñaflorida, Art prodigy Hamzah Marbella, and graphic artist Dan Matutina on the hot seat with Ms. L.A. Ferriols

     After the presentation of guests, Kenzo joined the live activity demonstration. He experienced that day what kids can do inside the academy. Kenzo was giddy to get hold of the paint brushes so he chose to do the stained glass wall painting activity. To make the experience more memorable and of course inspiring, one of the guest artists joined and taught him some techniques while painting the glass.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Kenzo with Graphic artist Dan Matutina

Misters and Misses Artists for a better world, hear ye! hear ye! 

     I'm pretty sure you're all excited to know what's in store for you when you visit the newly opened National Art and Design Academy. Here are the things that you need to know if you want to be an artist or designer for a day:

• The National Art and Design Academy offers fun-filled painting and drawing activities that allow kids to craft memorable pieces. 
• By painting a stained glass window or a wall mural, misters and misses can color KidZania-inspired images to their hearts’ delight and earn 8 kidZos. Kids can also pay 15 kidZos to join painting and drawing classes. 
• A maximum of 15 minutes is provided for the creative exercise and some artists-in-training can even bring home their finished artwork right after. 
• Participating CitiZens also receive higher salary or pay less to join the activity.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Kenzo with Graphic artist Dan Matutina listening to the instructions of the KidZania Manila Staff

     Within the establishment’s activities, the fun and learning continue as kids experiment with watercolor, using Dong-A supplies. Misters and misses can surely produce works of art as their canvas becomes their own personal playground. Look at Kenzo's almost finished stained glass window painting. Adorbs, right?! He's so happy with his work and wanted to paint the entire window.

KidZania Manila National Art and Design Academy Launch
Busy as a bee, Kenzo's before and after work :)

     Let your kids discover and hone their artistic potential and let their imagination run free to create their own masterpieces only at KidZania Manila’s newly opened National Art and Design Academy. The play city is open every day: Mondays to Thursdays (9AM-4PM); and Fridays to Sundays (9AM-2PM and 3-8PM). 

To book tickets and for more information, visit manila.kidzania.com

Good Times!~

Novuhair Enhanced Formulation

     I suffered hair loss fall in the past and the feeling was stressful. Imagine seeing more than 100 strands of hair lying on the floor after taking a bath. I feel for individuals who are suffering great hair loss resulting to baldness and alopecia. There are different products in the market today that offer solution to hair loss but not all are effective in the long run.

     Say goodbye to hair loss and scalp problems with the newly-enhanced formulation of Novuhair. With 19 natural ingredients, the leading medicated topical scalp lotion is now almost 100% natural. “The Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion used to only have 12 natural ingredients. Its improved formulation has a much better fragrance and a cool and minty feel. It also has anti-dandruff properties, as well as nourishing and moisturizing effects on the hair and scalp,” said Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO of Nutramedica, developer and distributor of Novuhair. More details about Novuhair below.

Novuhair Enhanced Formulation
image from Novuhair's Facebook Page