Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event

     Who here loves to cook? I know the basics of cooking, the ingredients and the procedure well because of google (haha) but I don't know how to cook dishes on my own. I know how to fry eggs, make pancake because there's an instruction in the packaging, and boil an egg but cooking dishes like adobo, sinigang, or other Filipino viands is

     That's why when there's a cooking event, I'm always excited yet nervous at the same time thinking that I will make a mess if there will be a live cooking class for the attendees. I feel that I'm not fit to cook because of my little to no experience preparing meals in the kitchen. Looks like I'll be brave enough this time to hang out in the kitchen after attending the Knorr #LutongNany event last weekend. Highlights of the event below :)

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event

     Knorr recently held another #LutongNanay event last August 12, 2016 at The Cookery Place in BGC, Taguig. This occasion was a follow-up event to further promote Knorr’s #LutongNanay campaign. Now on its 3rd year, Knorr Lutong Nanay continues to champion delicious, home cooked meals for the Filipino family, especially in this day and age of eating out and instant food. With such a goal and the progress that Knorr has attained, Knorr is visibly bringing back the passion for food as shown in home-cooked meals to the Filipino families.

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event

     Mommy bloggers from Mommy Bloggers Philippines group participated in this event. I was lucky to join the chosen guests because most of the mommies invited are some of the ultimate foodie moms who are very much passionate about food and flavor. 

     Knorr’s #LutongNanay campaign according to Knorr’s Brand Manager for Bouillon and Seasonings, Dhiren Karnani aims to:

• Bring back the value behind home cooked meals especially since people choose to eat outside or even alone in this fast-paced world. 
• Knorr aims to help more moms bring the family together through the best flavors in their cooking.
• The Lutong Nanay campaign also helps busy and working moms find time to cook for her family by introducing simple, smart and great tasting dishes that the family will love through recipe inspiration. “Cooking is a force for good. When a mother cooks, it is often seen as a way for her to ensure her family’s well being – and through Knorr, moms can serve nutritious meals without sacrificing great flavor

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event
Knorr’s Brand Manager for Bouillon and Seasonings, Dhiren Karnani

     Louise Fandino-Santos, a Knorr Mom, hosted the event. It started with each mom introducing herself and sharing cooking stories, tips, family favorites, and their signature dishes with the group. After this, mommy bloggers were grouped into teams and made a short brand presentation on Knorr #LutongNanay with special focus on Sinigang, an all-time family, not to mention, kiddie favorite that makes everyone eat more rice, vegetables and soup.

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event

     Chef Kai – a talented chef and a mother to two – did a cooking demonstration on various Sinigang recipes, afterwhich, the participants cooked and plated different Sinigang dishes.

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event
Chef Kai prepping her sinigang

     Mommy bloggers were tasked to prepare four different Sinigang variations that day. The versions of Sinigang are as follows: Knorr Sinigang with Pakwan, Knorr Surf and Turf Sinigang, Knorr Sinigang na Liempo sa Sampaloc and Knorr Sizzling Sinigang.

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event
Here are the Sinigang variations that each team prepared that day. 

     The exciting part of this event was the hands-on opportunity to experience cooking the Sinigang variations mentioned above. Our group cooked the Sizzling Sinigang. Yes, you read that right! It's not the usual Sinigang recipe and we are all curious about how the dish would turn out.

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event
Here are the ingredients for Sizzling Sinigang

     Since we have a recipe to follow complete with ingredients and procedures, cooking Sizzling Sinigang became a breeze. A little boiling here, sauteing there, and voila! our Sizzling Sinigang was ready for plating in just thirty minutes (the meat was tenderized prior to the hands-on cooking to shorten the cooking time during the event) and everyone was pleased with the end dish.

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event
Knorr Sizzling Sinigang

     Everyone's excited to see and taste the different variations of Sinigang each group had prepared that day. Well, it turned out soo good! We made our Sinigangs flavorful and yummy with the help of Knorr Sinigang mix. Cooking Sinigang is as easy as 1-2-3 because of Knorr.

Knorr #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore Event
Mommy Bloggers Philippines

     Thank you so much Knorr Philippines and Mommy Bloggers Philippines for having me. I had a blast during the event and never thought that cooking Sinigang is easy plus the fact that it can be cooked in different variants using Knorr Sinigang Mix. I'm sure that Sinigang lovers will also find their tummy happy in other Sinigang versions.

Mommies, have you tried cooking Sinigang in different variations? 

For more information on Knorr Philippines and their recipes,

Like them on Facebook: Knorr Philippines

Follow them on Twitter: @KnorrPH

Follow them on Instagram: @knorrph

#KnorrPH #LutongNanay #AsimKiligPaMore

Good Times!~

SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016

     So how many lipsticks you have in your makeup stash? Three, five, ten, or more? I will assume that you have more than five because I agree that a girl really can never have too many lipsticks! We always want to have all the shades, the latest shades perhaps, the cutest and most sleek bullet, the budget-friendly ones, and so on and so forth.All girls will agree that once we get our hands on our first lipsticks, there's no stopping us from buying one tube to another. This is the most basic makeup that we have in our kit and it's a no brainer how to apply it. 

     Can I say that our generation is blessed because there are so many lipstick formulas in the market today- from tinted lip balm to glosses, lipsticks, mattes, and liquid formulas? We have so many options and did you know that a lip product's transformative power can be confidence booster or an artful expression? A swipe of one lip product can harness a presence that helps empower the modern Filipina. To make a long introduction short, I have great news to all lipstick lovers out there- The SM Beauty's Lipstick Fest Celebration Year 2. More reasons why you should not miss this below :)

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 

     SM Beauty wants to join every Filipinas journey of discovering the many different possibilities of lipstick! Like what I've mentioned above, lip products come in many forms and shades unlike before that we only have limited options. What are your favorite shades?

1. There nudes and pinks, for chill weekends and classic looks. If you're looking for a high-end brand, there's Guerlain. Look at the tubes below, they have a wide array of nudes and pinks!

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 
Guerlain Kiss Kiss

2. Red and purples for those days that you need to own the room and make a statement. Red lipsticks make a powerful statement, some girls can sport red lipstick alone. If you're afraid that shades of red and purples will make you look snob, it's a big NO! Look at those lip lacquers below from Clinique. Pretty shades of red and purple for the win!

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 Clinique Pop™ Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer

3. The wild colors such as your blues and blacks, for days that you are feeling a bit rebellious and bold. Whatever the mood, we have the perfect shade for you—no matter what the day or occasion. OFRA offers lip products in wild shades in their liquid lipstick collections. They have blue and green shades, yay!

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 
OFRA

 
     Aside from lipstick, the basics are important which help us achieve perfect puckers. You must include this in your beauty kit so that application of your favorite lipstick is always a breeze.

1. Lip balms keep dry pouts at bay by providing nutrients that replenish moisture while lip liners on the other hand, make sure your lip color stays put throughout the day.

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 

2. Lip shines and glosses for days where you feel like just a hint of color is enough for that day’s agenda.

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 
Lip Remedy and Lip Balms from Origins

   
     SM Beauty Lipstick Fest is a nationwide celebration and this year's participating brands are Guerlain, Elizabeth Arden, Shiseido, Max Factor, The Body Shop, Happy Skin, Sleek, L’Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, Covergirl, Flormar, Essence, Fashion 21, Features and Shades, LA Girl, NYX, Elf, Ever Bilena, Nichido, and more!

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 

   
     The kick-off of Sm Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 happened last July 29, 2016 at SM Makati. Lipstick lovers including media guests and selected bloggers had an exclusive shopping event. During the event, lipstick collectors and newbies were treated to tons of discounts and freebies too. Look what happened to one of the kiosks, everyone's going cray cray to get hold of their favorite lip products.

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 

   
     To help all shoppers appreciate the many wonders of lipstick, SM Beauty offers FREE Makeover & Lip-Art Service this month. Using products available in the store, the expert beauty associates will assist you in harnessing the transformative power of lipstick!

2nd SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 2016 

   
     You still have a month more to go to experience, shop, and hoard all the lip products in your wish list. Head over to all SM Beauty sections and avail of discounts, freebies, and other promos when you hoard buy your lip products. There are so many choices so be sure to look to what your lipstick loving heart desires!

     

I'm sure some of you already have hoarded your favorite lip products, share your haul below :)

 For more information SM Beauty Lipstick Fest 

Like them on Facebook: SM Beauty PH

Follow them on Instagram: @smbeautyph

#SMLipstickFest

Good Times!~

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang

     Nowadays, when we speak of beauty we also speak of wellness. Both go hand in hand especially for individuals who tries to live their life in a holistic manner.  We live in a busy and fast paced world where we often take our health for granted. What did you eat today? What activity did you do today? 

     I presume that some are busy minding their work while others are taking some of their time off and are growing conscious about their health and wellness. Listen dearies, recognizing the need and importance of a healthy mind, body, and soul, Shangri-La Plaza is bringing you the tools and tips for overall wellness. I'm inviting everyone to visit the fair, details below :)

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang

     The metro’s leading lifestyle destination celebrates its 25th year with another fun-filled fair. On August 18 to 21, A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair is showcasing the best of beauty and wellness brands at the East Atrium. 

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang

     Prepare and ready your senses because this 4-day fair is full of activities for you to touch, taste, smell, see, and hear. Are you ready to join the product sampling, aromatherapy workshops, and healthy food demos? These and more in a day of fun and learning in a zen indoor garden setup complimented by live music, yay!

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang

The A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair brand partners:

1. Beauty Bar

2. Belo Medical Center- visit this booth until Sunday, don't be shy to ask their treatments and avail their promos like The Great 888 deal. IG @belobeauty

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Belo Medical Group

3. The Body Shop- believes that true beauty is about looking, feeling and doing good. IG @thebodyshopph

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
The Body Shop

4. Botanifique- Developed by a team of natural therapists and botanical specialists, the Botanifique product line harnesses the essence of plants in their purest form. Twitter @botanifique

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Botanifique

5. Bowmanbear Barber Shop- a barber shop for the whole family!

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang

6. Certified Calm- aims to address that need within a person-being responsible to oneself and to the environment. Certified Calm is to play a major role in discipline. Promoting health, fitness, wellness as a lifestyle and more. IG @certified_calm

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Certified Calm

7. Crabtree & Evelyn- Crabtree & Evelyn product range comprises fragrances, bath and shower gels, soaps, home spa products, body lotions, hand creams and home fragrance. The ethos of the company remains, seeking out the most beneficial ingredients inspired by nature to create a range of products which make a world of difference. A blend of the very best of nature and science coupled with tradition and innovation. IG @CrabtreePH

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Crabtree and Evelyn

8. Detoxify Bar- the first detoxify juice bar in the country. They are the first to bring the fresh-pressed juicing experience to din-in customers. It has actually become a novelty and attraction to watch as the vegetables are juiced and bottled in front of customers. IG: @detoxifybar

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Detoxify Bar

9. Headzone Salon- salon for men and women now offers Balmain Har Paris treatment products and services for your tresses. Don't forget to visit their booth and discover this new product and treatment that will make your hair luxurious and catwalk ready!

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
HeadZone Salon

10. Healthy Options- the only store where I bought my Dickinsons Witch Hazel Toner. Healthy Options aim to offer only the best, most nutritious, and healthiest products that benefit people and the planet -- with no preservatives, no additives, no artificial ingredients. I can say everything healthy for the whole body can be found at Healthy Options. IG @healthyoptionsph

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Healthy Options

11. JNA Dance & Fitness Center- offers different classes like piloxing, zumba toning, sumba fitness, yoga, jazz, taekwondo, kids dance pop, hip hop, retro dance pop, belly dance, cardio, aeroboxing, and pilates. Whoa! that's a lot of classes in one dance studio. To know more about the schedule, visit their booth now! IG @jnadancecenter

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
JNA Dance and Fitness Center

12. Nail Spa- first opened at the 5th level of the Shangri-La Plaza in April 2001 with the philosophy of giving simple, straightforward manicure and pedicure services. It was a combination of what we thought were the elements of an ideal urban retreat: modern interiors, cool airconditioning, great music, mood lighting, loads of glossies and couches that just beg you to sink in. It would change the experience of having a manicure and pedicure in Manila forever. IG @nailspa_ph 

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Thank you for the relaxing hand massage @thenailspa_ph! Visit them dearies, they're giving away free tatts in their booth. 

13. Rustan’s Department Store - branded home appliance and wellness stuff awaits you at the fair. You can also score wellness products and other displays that brings a great ambiance in your home. IG @rustansph

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Rustan's Department Store

14. Scents & Sensibilities- HOME AND BODY FRAGRANCE: Room & Linen Spray, Reed Diffuser, Home Fragrance Oil, Soy Candles, Eau de Toilette, Dry Oil Mist, Eau de Cologne. Unveiling their latest product: SCENTS & Sensibilities' Lamp Burner with Oil Burner Set. Special introductory price at Php 2400.00 only (Php 3000.00 regular price), visit their booth to avail this offer. IG @scents_and_sensibilities

15. Ride Revolution (soon to open)- boutique indoor cycling studio. Their workout is specifically designed to strengthen the body’s core, tone muscles and burn maximum calories. Light hand weights are used to target the upper body, giving you a true full body workout. IG @riderevolution

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang
Ride Revolution

16. Skin 101 (soon to open)

What to expect during the four-day event?

• Enhance the experience and awareness for overall wellness, workshops, workouts, and talks to go along with shopping.
• Learn new moves and get into the groove of staying fit as you learn about the trendy workout of indoor cycling, and bust out the steps during piloxing, Zumba, and hip-hop classes. 
• Pick up a new hobby to relieve stress like soy candle-making, learn more about proper nutrition, and find out about how to properly care for your skin with the top skincare tips of all time. 
• The fair is a must for anyone looking into making healthier lifestyle changes. 
• Bond with family and friends.
• Shop til you drop!

A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at The Shang

     Take home beauty buys, nutritious food, health hacks, skincare tips, and more from A Heart for Health Beauty and Wellness Fair at the Shang. 

For inquiries, call 370-2597/98 

Like them on Facebook:  shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage 

Follow them on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial

Good Times!~

Coca-Cola x KFC Emoticups

    What a great feeling to see your favorite drink in a glass that says your emotion. Your favorite 'hugot' lines can be as short as one word now that Coca-Cola and KFC tied-up to bring you the limited edition Coca-Cola EmotiCups. 

     I was invited to the launch of Coca-Cola EmotiCups last August 9, 2016 at KFC Matalino Branch in Quezon City. During the event, Coca-Cola and KFC introduced to media guests and bloggers the cups that will make KFC lovers share their favorite emotions while munching on their favorite KFC chicken and other food offerings. Highlights of the event below :)

Coca-Cola x KFC Emoticups 

     Now, there’s an exciting and fun way to show how much diners really feel when eating their favorite finger lickin’ good chicken with families and friends as KFC comes out with the limited edition Coca-Cola EmotiCups.

     With the power of emoticons, Coca-Cola together with KFC is giving everyone a fun and creative way to share their feelings using Coke Emoticons, while enjoying the finger-licking goodness of their favorite KFC fried chicken. 

How to score your Coca-Cola Emoticups?

1. Coca-Cola EmotiCups are free for every chicken bucket meal which includes 8 pieces of chicken, 2 spaghetti, 4 rice and 4 medium drinks in collectible EmotiCups. 

2. Diners can also avail of the EmotiCups by simply adding P20 to their combo meal with drink, Fully-Loaded meal, Fill-Up Box, 1-Piece chicken meal, or Teriyaki Pepper Steak rice bowl.

Coca-Cola x KFC Emoticups 

3. There are 5 Coca-Cola EmotiCups to choose from: kilig, lol, wow, love, and incredible.

Coca-Cola x KFC Emoticups 

4.  The latest collaboration between two of the biggest global brands will be available from July 8 to September 8 at your nearest KFC branch.

Coca-Cola x KFC Emoticups 
Coca-Cola and KFC Team with online ambassador Karel Marquez

     Make eating with friends more special and fun with the finger lickin’ good KFC meals and ice-cold Coca-Cola in unique EmotiCups. Taste the Feeling, Share the Feeling with Coke and KFC.

To know more KFC Philippines and Coca-Cola Philippines

Like them on Facebook: Coca-Cola Philippines KFC Philippines

Follow them on Twitter: @cocacolaph @kfcphilippines

Follow them on Instagram: @cocacolaph @kfcphilippines

Good Times!~

Perfect Gift Ideas for New Parents

     Those first few weeks (okay, years) with a new baby can be the most magical thing ever, but also extremely challenging. So when you’re thinking of the perfect gift idea for new parents, you’re likely debating between something very personal, practical, or simply super cute. When it comes down to it, these surely stressed and sleep deprived friends will appreciate anything you give them, but we do share some tips below.

Perfect Gift Ideas for New Parents

Perfectly Personalized

     A personalized gift is particularly touching, especially since new parents all love seeing the name they painstakingly chose for their child up in lights, so to speak. These days, just about anything can be personalized. From baby blankets to beach towels to beanbag chairs, personalized gifts abound. You can really think outside the box, though, with something like a personalized baby block. Each side contains personal information about your baby’s birth (statistics, date, etc.), and it will always hold a special place in parents’ hearts. 

     Of course, popping bottles is a time-honored tradition of many new parents, too, and if you want to go above and beyond in this realm, consider a personalized wine, beer, or champagne bottle from Etching Expressions. They can uncork it right away to get the party started, or save it to commemorate their child’s first birthday. Either way, this takes a gift from ordinary to extraordinary. Their mini “It’s a Boy” or “It’s a Girl” champagne bottles are an ideal party favor at showers or parties to celebrate the new wee one.

Practically Practical

     Sometimes we feel like we need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to gift giving, but the simple truth is new parents need baby staples, and lots of them. This includes baby diapers, baby wipes, lotions, scent-free laundry soap, baby shampoo, and more. Although the temptation is to buy them a super adorable baby outfit (which is fine, by the way), the thing they’ll go through the most is the onesie. This is the unofficial baby uniform for about the first year of life. A nice set of plain white ones is fine, or a cheeky one with a saying can be fun, too.

     Do your friends appreciate all things organic and chemical-free? They will be over the moon for this Baby Arrival Gift Set from Honest Company or a Baby Bundle Collection from BeautyCounter. Of course, nothing says simplicity more than a gift card to Target (which will surely be their second home for a while) or one to their favorite local restaurant. Sometimes the most straightforward gift can be the most appreciated one. 

Make Mom Feel Magical

     Listen, Dads, you’re amazing. But let’s face it—the moms are the ones who really went through the most to bring that sweet little baby into the world, and we’re sure you’ll agree. Honoring mothers after childbirth can be extremely special. Whether it’s a mommy-friendly outfit or accessory, a spa day, a cleaning service, a (subtle!) weight loss aid, or meals for a week, this will go a long way in helping her feel less overwhelmed. As every new parent knows, there’s no greater gift than relaxation and “me time” and she’ll be delighted with your thoughtful idea. 

Gather the Group

     A small gift is great, but a group gift can be amazing. Perhaps you know from conversation or even their registry that they’ve been saving for that super special baby buggy, crib, or set of baby monitors that you might not be able to swing on your own. Choosing to give the new parents a group gift can be the perfect way to pool resources and get them the item they’ve longed for. Again, a practical group gift can be ideal, too, such as a meal or cleaning service or even a nanny for a week. Making their lives easier can be the best present they’ll receive.

     New parents are usually overwhelmed, but buying them the perfect gift doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these tips and you’ll score huge points with your friends.