Travel, Photographs and Lifestyle

Friday, March 6, 2015

DIANA STALDER: All That Glitters Is Gold

DIANA STALDER: All That Glitters Is Gold

Upon the invitation of a very good friend, I headed over at Diana Stalder in Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City for its #GoldLaunch of #DianaStalder #AllThatGlittersIsGold campaign. The call time was so early that I had to be literally dragged out from bed by my brother. ( I admit, I am not a morning person and I am not good in time management but I honor my commitments to the best of my capacity.) Diana Stalder or simply dS is located at the basement of Gateway Mall. (Think about Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; yeah, enter the mall entrance beside that famous coffeeshop tambayan.)

I was bowled over when I was greeted by a gold-colored guy in gold tuxedo and gold hat. He happened to be golding ... errr ... holding a dS Gold VIP Card poster.

Very accommodating dS branch Sales manager Ms. Cynthia Esquida, who conceptualized the card, explained to me the concept behind the golden offer.

Introducing the dS Gold VIP Card

It is a card like no other. It consists of a full year of pampering for a VIP cardholder. The VIP Gold cardholder has the right to share the beauty benefits to his or her immediate family members and friends. I was like, oh wow! That's a great deal! It suddenly makes me want to sign up immediately for a gold membership because of the idea of sharing its privileges with my brother.

The dS Gold VIP Card Package includes the following:

3 Facial Supreme Treatment
3 Gold Facial Treatment
6 Underarm Bleaching Treatment
4 whole body Massage Treatment
4 Paraffin Wax Treatment
6 Skin Awakening Treatment.

The total package originally costs Php14,000 but go ahead and show them this article and get the dS VIP Gold membership card for only Php6,000!!!! Plus if you tell them that you learned about it from CHA you'll get extra complimentary service like a body massage, 50% discount on other treatments and other exciting freebies! Cool, right? After all the best things in life are free!

Plus, yes, you read it right, it has a plus, not a minus . . . Ha ha ha! You can customize your package!

Yehey!

You can change your treatment into other treatments like diamond peel or body massage if you happen to be uncomfortable with, say for example, the underarm whitening treatment. I know, you can't believe it. Hell yeah, me too. I think dS management is too generous in coming out with such a huge discount that comes with a privilege to tweak the package according to your preference.

So, what are you waiting for? Go for Gold! Avail of the promo now! Remember you'll get to enjoy the VIP privilege together with your family, officemate, or friends. That's more than half the price, given at an unbelievable discount rate of only Php6,000.

But wait... there’s more!

The dS Gold VIP Card Package entitles you to a Personal Hygienic Kit, Personal Therapist, Free Beverage every visit, Birthday treat, Exclusive members only promos & Exclusive Sparty Discounts and other privileges.

Diana Stalder's owner plus all of the staff are 100% committed to meet the clients' desire to be beautiful inside and out. That's why dS never gets tired to offer the best services and products that targets its clientele needs in the rapidly-changing and diverse skincare market.

For more details about Diana Stalder's VIP Gold Card, visit Diana Stalder at the following branches :

dS Gateway Araneta Center
dS SM Megamall
dS Svelte Eastwood
dS SM Calamba.

Do follow them on

Facebook/DianaStalderByDermaline,

Twitter @diana_stalder

Instagram @dianastalder.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

#JustJulia Beautiful at 18

#JustJulia Beautiful at 18

Today, I attended the press conference of #JustJulia at the 14th floor of Abs-cbn building in Mother Ignacia. This is the second time that I am covering Julia Barreto or Julia Francesca Barretto Baldivia in real life. The soon to be 18-year-old daughter of comedian Dennis Padilla and former actress Marjorie Barreto.

#JustJulia announced at the press conference that she will be celebrating a white, gray and silver-themed debut party at the posh Makati Shangri-La Hotel on March 10. Her gown will be made by no less than the great International Fashion Designer Michael Cinco.

For her coming out party, the debutante's hair will be done by John Valle, while Lala Flores will do her makeup. Barretto also enlisted the services of celebrity stylist Liz Uy.

Participating in the traditional 19 candles ceremony are Dani Barretto, Claudia Barretto, Patita Tumpalan, Erich Gonzales, Alora Sasam, Natalia Ortega, Nicole Barretto, Cris Navarro, Marissa Kalaw, Pokwang, RB Chanco, Lala Flores, Denise Heredia, Coy Barretto, Ella Pangilinan, Liz Uy, Janella Salvador, Liza Soberano and Maja Salvador.

For the 18 roses portion, participating are Dennis Padilla, Matteo Guidicelli, Rayver Cruz, Enchong Dee, Khalil Ramos, Robi Domingo, Sam Concepcion, Dominic Roque, Leon Barretto, Mark Barretto, John Barretto, Cholo Barretto, Jason Soong, Mark Soong, Miguel Barretto, John Sweet Lapus, Enrique Gil and Inigo Pascual (her last dance).

European Tour vs. Debut party?

"With all honesty, I never dreamt of having a debut. I never thought that I will have kasi I just want to travel on my birthday. Actually my original plan was to have a short break to travel around Europe. I really want to go around Europe," she revealed.

#JustJulia's First dance

Julia said during the press conference that her dad will be her first dance. Julia decided to break the ice with her dad by personally handing him the invitation to her party.

“Surprise kasi yun talaga. Gusto ko na as if walang nangyari. Parang ‘Here’s your invitation, ganyan. So are you going? What’s your outfit?’ siyempre shocked siya. (laughs). Tapos from there then he explained na and I just listened. Hindi na ako masyado nagsalita, nakinig na lang ako,” she shares during her#JustJulia presscon.

Julia also admitted that she personally wanted her dad to be one of her 18 roses and her first dance.

“What’s more important now is that everything’s okay between my dad and I. Gumaan yung loob ko ng 100% and I was genuinely happy. Not to sound so cheesy but wounds don’t heal so fast but then you can’t wait forever. Ika nga life is too short, you can’t wait it might be too late 'di ba? Pag mangyari yun I’ll be devastated. And also siyempre my special day is coming soon so sabi ko I want him to be there. Eh di ayusin ko na na just be okay again,” she admits.

#JustJulia's Petition to change her last name.

A member of the press asked Julia with another issue regarding her petition to change her last name.

“Wow we haven't even talked about this as a family. It's the first time I'm speaking about it that I've made a decision to share it first with you guys I feel that right now there's really no need to change my last name. I’m going to keep my dad’s last name. But siyempre that’s my screen name na talaga Julia Barretto. I don't believe that if I do that he'll be happy. Why would I do anything that would make my father unhappy di ba? I'm taking it into consideration.”

#JustJulia's reconciling with her dad was merely a publicity stunt?

During the #JustJulia presscon, Julia got emotional when asked to react on the issue that reconciling with her dad was merely a publicity stunt to boost her image. The pretty actress was clearly hurt by the accusation. ( I am sad that some people can be so mean :-( they should take into consideration that Julia is only 17 years old.)

“How can they even think that way? How can you think that a young child wants to get everything okay again with her own father just for publicity? I can't even embrace that thought. It's very false. He's my dad, why wouldn't I want to be okay with my dad and have him there sa special day ko? I made up with him because I want to be okay with my own father, not for anybody,” she explains.

#JustJulia's Birthday Wish

Since her parents' split up in 2007, Julia says that she does not wish for her parents to reconcile anymore as they are already leading very separate lives.

“No, parang hindi ko siya birthday wish kasi my dad’s happy with his partner, his new son who’s turning three, my mom is happy with her children, us. Bakit ako ang tinatanong ninyo? Hindi ko naman relationship yan. I’m seeing they’re both happy with their own lives and wherever they are happy, I am happy there,” she states.

#JustJulia's reaction to her Dad's statement that she can now entertain Suitors

Julia did admit that she's happy if it is true that her dad will finally allow her to entertain suitors. “Oo nga, na-shock ako dun. Ang sarap niyang pakinggan kasi before when we were kids pa lang, it’s a no-no, bawal boyfriend, bawal ligaw. So nung napanuod ko yung interview niya I was so shocked na okay na sa kanya bigla. I was very touched. Pero wala pa naman so okay lang,” she says.

Julia also revealed that her fans will be giving her a special debut party on March 6, several days earlier than her actual birthday.

Good luck and happy happy birthday #JustJulia. Wishing you the best on your birthday! Stay humble, kind and articulate.

Get to know the real Julia Barretto in her 18th birthday TV special entitled #JustJulia, Beautiful@18, on March 29, 2015 on ABS-CBN's Sunday Best right after Gandang Gabi Vice.

Three Easy Steps to Quality Health Care in the Philippines

Three Easy Steps to Quality Health Care in the Philippines

I am an ordinary Pinoy. As an ordinary citizen, I find it very difficult to find the right doctor and quickly get an appointment. Whenever a member of my family got sick, it takes about 3 to 5 hours of waiting at the hospital lobby before we could have a face to face consultation with a doctor. Of course, I am talking about experts on their field like my neurosurgeon and heart specialist who happened to be very in-demand. One of my doctors only had one clinic day per week in a Makati hospital, so you could just imagine how long the queue is. Sad, but yes, I always almost turned into a statue like the picture above before I could finally have a consultation with my doctors. No offense meant to my doctors. I love them dearly. They saved my life.

Finally, the waiting game is over! The long wait scenario is now a thing of the past. With the latest Health & Lifestyle mobile and web applications, there is now an easier, more convenient way to get you to a doctor or hospital. Introducing the GetMed.

Save your precious time and effort and consider taking these 3 easy steps in setting an appointment to your specialist.

STEP 1. Know your location. Depending on the area proximity, check the hospital or medical facility for your easy access and convenience.

STEP 2. From a comprehensive line-up of Specialties, and based on your present condition, choose your preferred doctor.

STEP 3. Lastly, as soon as you have selected your doctor, you can now make an appointment.

All of these and more in just one click of a button. All the convenient possibilities in one application like GetMed.

Developed by UNA I.T. SOLUTIONS, GetMed is a medical app that is aimed to bridge the gap between the doctor and patient and inspire individuals to live a healthier life. At one click, the user is empowered to locate a doctor, make an appointment, check the nearest hospitals or clinics-making lives of patients and consumers a lot easier.

Initially, GetMed has 17,000 registered doctors (including their specialties, location, and complete contact information) covering majority of the country. It also has 3053 Hospitals, Clinics & Barangay Health Centres located in Luzon, Visayas & Mindanao. GetMed also features top issues or articles on health, tips, trivia, health horoscopes or anything that can be of value in building a better lifestyle on day-to-day basis.

GetMed is a free download via Play Store for Android and App Store for IOS. You can also check out its web-based app via http://www.getmednow.net.

Monday, March 2, 2015

HONEYBON PH: Unveils Sakura Mango Cake

HONEYBON PH: Unveils Sakura Mango Cake

Honeybon Pastry Shop, Sakura Mango Cake, Katipunan, Tokyo Bubble Tea

I was super duper excited when my brother and I got invited to the launching of Honeybon's Sakura Mango Cake at Honeybon Pastry Shop along Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City.

There was a little confusion at first because the signage says “Honeybee Patisserie and Cafe” and the guard on duty pointed us to another location when we asked him where Honeybon Pastry Shop is. We ended up in another establishment at the far end of Katipunan Avenue. We even asked several people along the way but they kept on pointing us to another establishment named Honeymoon.

We decided to turn around and return to Honeybee. This time around I alighted from the car and asked inside. We're the second one to arrive. I felt bad for my brother because we ran out of fuel right after we parked our car.

My brother had to walk under the scorching heat of the sun for a total of almost one kilometer to and from the nearest gasoline station.

It was later explained to us by the marketing manager that they are in the process of rebranding the cake shop to “Honeybon.” He apologized and asked his staff to tell the guard that Honeybon and Honeybee are one and the same. We later learned that another blogger aboard a taxi also asked the guard and was also pointed to another location. #Confucius si Kuya #kaloka

Moving on, Honeybee or Honeybon is actually a sister company of Tokyo Bubble Tea. We Iearned from the marketing manager that the owners are actually a husband and wife team. The husband manages the tea house and the wife handles the cake shop. That is why you'll find cakes at every Tokyo Bubble Tea branches with the exception of provincial branches.

When we arrived, a particular portion at the second floor of the establishment was covered with pink curtains. Hmmmmm....

We waited for more than an hour for the other bloggers to arrive. Then the program started and the secret behind the curtain was finally revealed.

It was none other than the Sakura Mango Cake!

It looks so dainty! This unique Japanese style cake was lovingly developed by Aileen Tan, owner of Honeybon Patisserie & cafe. It reminds me of the sakura season in Japan.

Sardines in Oil and Garlic with Lemon Pasta - very delicious.

Honeybon's various Cakes.

Honeybon Pastry Shop, Sakura Mango Cake, Katipunan, Tokyo Bubble Tea, cake, cakes

The 2-floor restaurant houses the two brands. Tokyo Bubble Tea and Honeybon are basically Japanese food chains. The former are known for serving Japanese fusion food and sensational milk teas and the latter serving pastries. There are Honeybon stalls inside every branch of Tokyo Bubble Tea and it’s only in Katipunan Ave. that they almost equally share the space. That is because Honeybon Katipunan is the flagship branch of the Japanese designer cake shop.

The staff are really polite and the shop itself has a nice spacious feel. I have had afternoon tea and cake at some of the best establishments in the Metro but this establishment makes me feel so comfortable and welcome.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Bite into the rich chocolate crisp of the new Cream-O Brownie Crunch

Bite into the rich chocolate crisp of the new Cream-O Brownie Crunch

There’s a new treat in town created especially for certified Cream-Oholics. The well-loved Cream-O goodness can now be enjoyed in a uniquely crispy and exciting chocolate indulgence, the Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O Brownie Crunch.

This latest innovation from Universal Robina Corporation (URC) is a different take on the traditional chocolate brownies. Cream-Oholics can sink their teeth in rich and crunchy chocolate brownie crisps that come in two equally delectable variants - Peanut Thins and Choco Chips.

For those who have a palate for the delicately sweet, there’s Cream-O Brownie Crunch Choco Chips, brownie crisps made exciting with chocolate chips. Cream-O Brownie Crunch Peanut Thins, alternatively, is perfect for those who want a nutty twist in their brownie crisps.

Cream-O Brownie Crunch comes in re-sealable packages, great for chocolate cravings on the go. Seize this sweet snacking experience that will keep you satisfied with chocolate goodness anywhere, at any time, now available in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide.

Cream-Oholics are in for a treat with Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O Brownie Crunch, the reinvention of the classic rich chocolate brownie packed to a crisp. It is available in re-sealable packages to satisfy one’s sweet cravings on the go.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

BM 2.0: The 20th Anniversary Concert

BM 2.0: The 20th Anniversary Concert

Ballet Manila (BM) celebrates its 20th anniversary via BM 2.0 on February 28, 2015, 7:30 p.m. and March 1, 2015, 3:00 p.m. at Aliw Theater.

From left: BM Artistic Director Liza Macuja-Elizalde, Cha Sy and BM Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso

I am excited to watch Ballet Manila 2.0 as it presents a medley of classical favorites and original Filipino ballets plus the world premiere of Bloom, Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s first work for an Asian dance company.

It is not a secret that most of Ballet Manila’s alumni are making waves internationally, thus BM 2.0 also showcases the guest appearance of BM alumna Christine Rocas who is guesting together with Joffrey Ballet colleague Rory Hohenstein. They will perform the Balcony Scene in Krzysztof Pastor’s Romeo & Juliet and Christopher Wheeldon’s After The Rain.

Pictures below are taken during the press preview:

BM Artistic Director Liza Macuja-Elizalde

Pursuant to Ballet Manila’s mission of bringing ballet to the people through OPM (Original Pilipino Music)/ Pinoy choreography, the artists of BM 2.0 will dance to the tune of Tara Let’s. This colorful piece was originally choreographed by BM principal artist Gerardo Francisco for the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.