NetSuite Makes Dreams Come True This Holiday Season

Leading cloud ERP software company, NetSuite and members of SuiteImpact team – the company’s employee-volunteer group, held its 5th annual Adopt-a-Child giving program with non-profit partner Philippine Christian Foundation (PCF). Employees generously provided gifts for 120 children, which included one of the popular gifts - a bicycle! Dozens of employees were present to share the special moment with the young owners of new bikes and other Christmas presents. Gracing the event were NetSuite senior executives (standing, last row) James Dantow, General Manager & VP Worldwide Customer Support and David Geilhufe, NetSuite.org Program Director.

Other executives present were NetSuite Social Committee headed by Jheng Ponciano, Vice Pineda, Mitch Lucentales & Bernie Cadaing, NetSuite SuiteImpact Team Ambassador headed by Louie Baltazar and NetSuite.org Team members Mariel Bertumen and Rhoda Navarro.

NetSuite.org    is the corporate citizenship arm of NetSuite, leveraging the company’s assets to create social impact for charities and social enterprises around the world. Through our unique initiatives, including product donations, pro bono service grants and social solutions we are supporting organizations worldwide better achieve their missions.

The PCF children had loads of Christmas presents all prepared to make the holiday more fun and memorable. 

Kamlesh Rajyaguru, who represented NetSuite’s London office, was all smiles with his adopted Kid for the day. 

Press Release

Life's a Happy Song

I got this video from YouTube when my friend Reena tweeted the link. Thought about posting this video here just before 2012 ends.

Life's a Happy Song
Everything is great everything is grand
 I got the whole wide world in the palm of my hand
Everything is perfect its falling into place
I cant seem to wipe this smile off my face
Life's a happy song when there's someone by my side to sing along
When your alone life can be a little rough
It makes you feel like your 3 feet tall
When its just you times can be tough
When there's no one there to catch your fall
Everything is great everything is grand
I got the whole wide world in the palm of my hand
Everything is perfect its falling into place
I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face
Life smells like a rose with someone to ping with someone to pose
Lifes like a piece of cake with someone to pedal
Someone to break
Life is full of glee with someone to saw and someone to see
Life's a happy song when theres someone by my side to sing along
Ive got everything that I need right in front of me
Nothings stopping me
Nothing I can't be with you right here next to me
Life's a piece of cake with someone to give and someone to take
Life's a piece of pie with someone to wash and someone to dry
Life's an easy road with someone with you to share the load
Life's full of highs with someone to stir and someone to fry
Life's  like a lamb and someone to lend a hand
Life's a bunch of flowers with someone a while to lay the hours yes it is
Life's a happy song when theres someone by your side to sing along

It's Christmas time in the city

Oh Christmas Day!  We attended a Christmas eve mass last night  at UST  grandstand where thousands of people flocked together with their  families.  After  the mass, we went  home for our simple Noche Buena.  Today,  before heading to the  mall for a movie,  we  made a quick visit to   some  friends  nearby   for  a Christmas get together.

Our next  plan was supposed to be a   movie  date.   Okay,  maybe they're not  much  Vice  Ganda  fans  to give up a movie date  or maybe  Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)  movies  are not theirs  this  year.    Mom was the happiest,  that's me.  It  saved a lot  in my  pocket.   I  headed them to houseware section  and bought  a  new table cloth, place mats and other kitchen wares.  I didn't buy anything for myself because I  think  I've  had enough for Christmas day already.  Happy and contended,  it's overflowing!

By the way, the picture was taken on Christmas eve when we went to Robinson's.

Merry Christmas everyone!

What are you having tonight for Noche Buena? Are you done preparing or  will busy yourself  in the kitchen later?  I'm almost done with my menu as I  only  prepare a simple Noche Buena  for  us.  We earlier planned to  visit  my  sisters  and  spend our Christmas  in our home province but our  plan changed and will just celebrate Christmas at  home.  So here's  wishing you all  a very  Merry Christmas.

Picture was taken yesterday at Robinson's for our last minute shopping. So very Christmassy! I hope Santa brings everything you want tonight!  Merry Christmas everyone!

Holidays and Stress

Holidays mean  shopping, gift wrapping, partying, food preparing  and  more.  In this over tight schedule, you need to  allocate more time and budget in this time of the year.  It should be all happiness  but  people seem to  face holiday stress instead.

But why?

Let's start with the party.  If you are not ready for the party and you do your shopping very late, most likely you'll pick only  gifts that are generic.  You can keep the stress out in the list  if you just prepare  it early on.  Shop as early as you can and plan ahead of time.

If you face trouble and if problems come your way in this time of the year, just shrug if off and move on.  It's sad to say that sometimes worst  time comes during  month of   December.  If it happens, leave the stress behind, stay strong and continue with life, move on.

Before even the holiday kicks in,  start your healthy diet  to prepare yourself  for some unavoidable calories and cholesterol   to inject into your body.

Stick to your budget. Before you put the gifts into your cart, check   if  you can afford them  and if  they still  fit  into your budget.   Talk to the members of the family  about the  food to prepare for noche buena. In this case, you won't waste your  money for the food that they don't like.

Exercise. Go to the gym because physical activities really help to relieve your mental stress.   But if the stress really get into your nerves,  easy..  go and  do some yoga.  There are some other ways to cope with this stress.  A yoga dvd will surely make it easier for you  without spending a single penny  for gas.

Lastly if you are facing a really bad stress, better seek a professional help because stress can cause many physical illness and problems to your body. 

Good HouseKeeping Expo

Check this out!  The newest event for the family from Good Housekeeping happening on December 15, 2012 at  Trinoma Activity Center!

A MAJOR TURNING POINT?

December 21, 2012 has become the most anticipated date of our age. Over the past several years we have been flooded with overwhelming information that the world is going to end this December. Numerous websites, television documentaries, newspaper articles and radio reports are continuously cropping up across the globe and warning us of impending disasters of massive proportions. We practically don’t know what to believe anymore!

Where did all this come from? This all stemmed from a calendar created by the Mayans, an ancient civilization. The Mayan calendar was a very precise calendar that accurately predicted events, such as eclipses, years before they actually happened. Surprisingly, this long count calendar ends exactly on December 21, 2012, 11:11 am (UTC- Coordinated Universal Time) or 7:11 pm (PT – Philippine Time). Because of that, many people began speculating that this is a prophecy that the world will end on that date. This rumour immediately spread around the globe like wild fire, especially now that mass media has begun jumping on the bandwagon.

Because of all of this negative news, a lot of people around the world are getting frightened. Fear has become intensified after television documentaries have shown real footage of survival bunkers being constructed globally, where the elite can hide for years starting on the dreaded day. One documentary even showed million-dollar arks being built for the mega-rich. Several have also started stock piling food supplies, water and other essentials of survival.

How about you? Are you going to be in a space of FEAR or a space of LOVE come December 21, 2012? John Calub, the Philippines’ number one success coach has come out to the public, in a recently held press conference, to boldly declare that there is no reason to be afraid on December 21, 2012. John Calubexclaims that only God knows when the world will end. He cites a Bible verse that reads, ““However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. (Matthew 24:36)”. With the vision of moving people from fear back to love (our true essence), John Calub has gathered the country’s best motivational speakers to do a live conference and celebration called TURNING POINT 2012, which will happen on December 21, 2012, 1:00 pm to 12:00 am at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. According to John, instead of being afraid, why not make December 21 a major turning point of your life and move yourselffrom poverty to abundance, suffering to happiness and failure to success. Be empowered in the Turning Point 2012 conference by Pido Aguilar (Best-selling author of the book Abundance), Dr. Christian Mancao (Pain Management Expert), Paolo Trinidad (Founder of Pinoy Laughter Yoga), SainayahGurnamal (Life Coach and Healer), Tony Suvega (FengShui Master), Dr. Kevin Plata (Clinical Psychologist), and much much more! Also, get amazed and entertained by the laser light display and magic show of master illusionist JB Dela Cruz. Plus song and dance numbers from D-Coy and various artists. One of the highlights of the Turning Point 2012 Conference is the Hug Festival, where thousands of Filipinos will hug one another in a designated time in the spirit of love, peace and harmony. John Calub hopes to grow Hug Festival into an annual activity and soon make it to the Guiness Book of World Records with the record of the having the most number of people hugging at a time and longest hug chain ever done.

Tickets for Turning Point 2012 are available for only P500.00 at all SM Tickets outlets in all SM Cinemas nationwide. For inquiries, you may call John Calub Training at 748-7646 or log on to www.johncalubtraining.com. For updates, LIKE John Calub’s fan page at www.facebook.com/johncalubtraining.

More of holiday tips and gift ideas

I've written in my previous post about  gift ideas  but  I still have more to add.  Most businesses offer  holiday sales this season. You  cannot deny  the fact  that Christmas is coming very near,  thus  you  need  extra  money  to buy gifts for your loved ones. There are bazaars  where you can buy  cheaper ones.  In  high end malls, your few dollars will only buy one  or  two  items because most of the stores offer only  overpriced premium brands.

When it comes to buying gift nothing beats the personalized item like custom design t-shirts.  You  will also find the same stuff  in bazaar but not exactly  the same print that you want  in a  shirt.  The quality  of the shirt that I bought in the mall   last time was  not even worth for  the prize.  It costs me more than  $20 and  it looks like a rag after one use.  Shirts are  common as a gift but it can be special if you personalize it.  You just need to be smart and look around first when you're in bazaar. Unlike in the mall, you can haggle to a lower prize  when you're in  bazaar.   

Bluer than Blue

Breath taking scenery on our way back home. The sea is so blue, or should I say bluer than blue. We just stopped by here for  photo ops.

My thoughts on Pacquio-Marquez 4th fight

I watched the game via live streaming and at the same time  peeked at  live blog update  from Yahoo's  blow by blow updates of  the 4th fight  between Manny Pacquaio and Juan Marquez yesterday.  At  6th round while I was thinking Manny would win,  Juan Marquez  with his right power punch,  knocked Pacquiao down.  The medical team rushed inside the ring to see if Pacquiao was okay.  I was thinking at the fifth round that it  was Marquez who would use spirometry to check if he's still okay when Pacquiao blew a powerful punched that threw away  his mouthpiece out  from his mouth.

The nation was  left in  shock and who wouldn't?  It was a game predicted in the early rounds  for Manny that showed the real aggressive boxer  inside the ring.  Marquez was  bleeding and hardly breath with his  nose. Boxing analysts said that Manny was over confident and opened himself to Marquez  who was  patiently waiting  for a chance,  ready  to throw away that powerful punch in the last few seconds of  6th round.

Marquez won and he proved what he really wanted to happen in this game  but no matter what, we still love our champ, Manny Pacquiao.    He congratulated Marquez  at once  and  accepted the defeat. That shows a true sportsmanship!   He said that it's  part of the game, we cannot always win the battle, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  We still love you Manny Pacquiao!   Nothing change with how the nation look up on you.  You are an epitome of  a true  Filipino.  You get knocked down. And that's part of the game, being hit by  the opponent.  When someone falls on the ground,  it is just right to just  shake off  the dust and stand up. That's  what Manny did, he was wounded yet  he  stood up and smile. That's life,  move on.  You showed your  best and  you  will be forever our hero,  Pacquiao!

Is it possible to look younger and fresher for the holidays?

Weekend at Benisa Resort, Bataan

As the saying goes, the more elements you join together, the merrier the result. And so is true because we had lots of  fun as this weekend getaway was an awesome one with  Agulto, Mendiola and Borje family.

We decided to join the group for Agulto's prenup and at the same time spend a weekend in one of the resorts in Bataan.

We  were booked  at  Pamarta Bali Beach   Resort  but  the location and the actual view of  the  place  was an  issue so  we headed another resort and found ourselves in a cozy place,  Benisa.  

As soon we settled ourselves,  we had our lunch near the beach  and rest for while.  And because it was too hot  at the beach, we isolated ourselves in our rooms and  spent more time to catch some power nap between 2 to 3pm.   

An early morning scene near the beach area for our breakfast buffet, oh not a buffet but  a boodle breakfast. 

And boodle dinner, haha. Guess what,  we were just so lazy to clean more utensils and  left  the table empty with only our hands to wash. Lol.

Sunset view at Benisa

and 6am sunrise

Before heading back to Manila we stopped by at     Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church  and headed Segara Villas  for lunch.

The weekend that was

A short post to update where we've been last weekend. I'm afraid I won't be able  to post an entry  soon. The image I posted below was taken early morning at the resort where we stayed in   for our 2-day trip. I woke up as early as  6am to catch this view and  this is the best shot I could get with my camera.

I so love the smell of  the  sea as it always gives me a  refreshing feeling. It  was another wonderful weekend trip with friends and  another  exciting and jampacked one is coming... Azkals on  Saturday and  Pacquaio on Sunday! .. So there you go  folks,  I'll be posting a separate entry soon.

When is the best time to apply for a job?

My niece who graduated last March is still looking for a job related to a course that she finished. She tried to apply in banking companies but luck doesn't seem to be in her favor this time.  She was desperate to get a  job and seek online for possible opportunities.   Applying for a job on December,  as some may say,  is not really best at this time of the year because most of the companies are in freeze hiring or busy gearing up for holiday.   Yes,  some companies do but  others are not because they do hire when there is a vacancy that needs to fill up immediately.  More companies  need sales persons for  holiday rush  and usually  hire temporary  or contractual employee  during this season,  Christmas holiday  that  is.   They usually hire sales staff  and use e-verify poster for quick checking on  status.  But hey,  not only the retail industries  hire during holiday because  even the corporate firm  wants  to get people on board  as soon the new year starts,  January.

There is no perfect  and bad timing when  applying for a job because companies hire employees all year round or  when there is a  vacancy  to fill up.  When there is an opportunity posted in a bulletin or even online,  never delay and try to submit your updated resume  or you'll miss the train   for a minute late.  If  you are qualified and the employer wants you,  you might  get the job that you want.

YUMMY magazine kicks off December with Yummy Cooking Demo!

Last December 1, food lovers trooped to Robinsons Supermarket, Galleria for the Yummy Cooking Demo with Lady’s Choice and Yummy magazine. This was a Noche Buena themed cooking demo to start off the Christmas month with a delicious headstart!

Loyal YUMMY readers and shoppers alike were able to learn easy-to-do, mouth-watering dishes that the family would truly enjoy. Aside from the exciting cooking demonstrations, the participants also had a chance to win awesome prizes courtesy of YUMMY magazine, Lady’s Choice, Masflex Cookware and Fujidenzo!

YUMMY’s contributing chef and food artist Chef Katherine Jao demonstrated three sumptuous recipes from the December issue’s “A Holiday Feast” spread—sure-fire mainstays at Christmas gatherings this month. Two special recipes from Lady’s Choice were also demonstrated by Chef Dianne dela Cruz. Among the dishes prepared were Baked Lapu Lapu, Clam Capellini Pasta and Christmas Fried Rice.

Yummy Cooking Demo was made possible thanks to Lady’s Choice, YUMMY magazine and the venue, Robinsons Supermarket.

YUMMY magazine is a publication of Summit Media and is available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide for only P125. Be part of YUMMY magazine’s growing online community by visiting www.YUMMY.ph, liking us on Facebook via Facebook.com/yummymagazine, and following us on Twitter via Twitter.com/yummyph.

Press Release

It's Another Long Weekend!

It's another long weekend for us.  Tomorrow is Bonifacio Day.  It's going to be another busy weekend! 

I just love this picture from Rockwell, very Chrismassy!

Motorcycle views and more

Many girls find men  appealing  in their   motorbike.  They  think that  men  look  manly  when they  wear  leather jacket,  in complete  gear  and  driving dangerously in curves and slopes.   For men,    motorcycle racing  gives them  adrenalin rush especially for off  road  racing.  The more dangerous they take,  the more fun and challenging  they  get.  


Why do women find men  in motorbike sexy?    I asked a few friends online and each of them responded differently.  I think it really  depends on the bikes and the women seeing it.  Some of  them   find  men sexier in a different way  because  even the not so appealing man  looks  good  to  them  when riding a  high end or luxury motor bike.  Sport bikes usually get  girls  attention.  How many  magazine  cover  did you see that features  a man   riding  a motor bike   while projecting  a sexy look.  Let's face it!  Men  look sexier  in a bike  than in a car,  period.

Dinner at Precious Moments Restaurant

How was your weekend?  I hope you all had a great Sunday and enjoyed it as much as we did. After roaming around Mommy Mundo's Bazaar at  Rockwell,  we headed  to  Precious Moments Restaurant for a very sumptuous dinner.  Will post a separate blog later.

Have a great weekdays ahead!

Encourage Play in your little ones with Smart Parenting this November

The importance of play is undeniable-especially in children. While toy stories today are full of the newest knickknacks and gadgets that appeal to both children and adults, it's still a difficult task to select which toys are actually worth buying. This month, Smart Parenting makes this task easier for you with its annual list of best toys. From interactive toys to encourage sharing to cute toys to boost your baby's brainpower, as well as a feature on how to teach your child independent play, you will find what you need to ensure  the best quality playtime for your little one.

As well-loved actress and host Camille Prats and son, Nathan, grace the November cover of Smart Parenting, she shares her touching story of dealing with the loss of her husband to cancer, raising Nathan on her own, and some advice for new moms everywhere. She shares, "enjoy what you have now, kasi sobrang ikli lang ng buhay."

Also in this issue, read up on how to better communicate with your kids with features like "No more power struggles" - 44 ways to turn conflict into cooperation - and "kid's toughest questions" - smart answers to satisfy your child's curiosity. Find out if you're raising a spoiled brat in "Spoiled Rotten!" and learn how you can avoid spoiling your children (and damage control if they already are). What's more, Smart Parenting sits down with five women of different faiths as they give advice on raising morally upright kids, something that all parents, regardless of beliefs, aspire to do.

For more on how to raise happy, well-rounded kids, grab a copy of the November issue of Smart Parenting, available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide for only P125.  Your kids also get a treat with National Geographic's Little Kids zine that comes with every issue of Smart Parenting!

Visit Smart Parenting online at www.smartparenting.com.ph. Become a fan of Smart Parenting on Facebook via Facebook.com/smartparenting.ph and follow us on Twitter via Twitter.com/SP_online.

Get Starstruck with Good Housekeeping's First Celebrity Issue this November!

We can't help but scan the latest updates on their lives at check out counters, make time to watch showbiz shows on the weekends, and almost pass out when we see them in the flesh - we love them and want to be like them. With their actions and words, their power to influence is undeniable - and in the process, celebrities have truly become household names and strong role models. Get starstruck and inspired this November as Good Housekeeping releases its first ever Celebrity Special loaded with exciting features on what it's like to be a star.

This month, Good Housekeeping shows you how to live stellar by giving you the lowdown on how to dress like super-stylish Hollywood Supermoms, always look camera ready with techniques to fake perfect skin, and how you can whip up the favorite home recipes of popular personalities and celebrity chefs (Jolina Magdangal's Classic Beef Caldereta and  Martha Stewart's Gingerbread Cookies to name a few!). Also read up on how to better manage your money woes as Good Housekeeping reveals five money mistakes Hollywood stars made and what  you can learn from them.

Gracing the cover of the first celebrity issue is the well-loved Queen of Teleserye, Judy Ann Santos Agoncillo, as she talks about her return to show business, her happy home life with family and how she gives back to the community. She advises to choose a cause that's close to your heart, "Make sure na ito yung gusto mong talagang tulungan." She also talks about the moment when she had a calling to get active in a cause. "I was earning a lot and people were suddenly judging me with the things I did. I realized it was time to give back and uplift myself. So ayun, sila yung energizer ko."

Judai isn't only the star giving back in this celebrity-packed issue too! In "Shine and Substance,"  Good Housekeeping sits down with big-hearted stars: Aga Mulach, Gerald Anderson, Daphne Osena-Paez, Sam Milby, Regine Velazque-Alcasid, Karylle and Matteo Guidicelli as they talk about their respective causes and how you can help.

For more on how you can give back and live like your favorite celeb, grab the November issue of Good Housekeeping. Good Housekeeping is available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide or simply subscribe to Good Housekeeping  e-magazine  through www.summitmedia.com.ph/emagazine. For more updates, become a fan of Good Housekeeping on Facebook via Facebook.com/goodhousekeeping.ph and follow them on Twitter via Twitter.com/ghphils.

Creating a brighter Christmas for a brighter tomorrow

This season of giving, Belgian bag brand Kipling joined  forces   with   World Vision  today held   at Society Lounge,  Atrium  Makati,  to  bring   “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow,”  a program that aims to provide additional funds for the education of children under the care of the world renowned Christian development and advocacy organization.   TV Film Actress and  former  beauty queen,  Miriam Quiambao hosted the said  event which  was  attended  by different groups of media and bloggers.

According to the Benjamin Go, President of Greyhound Marketing Corporation, exclusive distributor of Kipling in the Philippines, the partnership is a timely effort to spread the fun and happiness that’s instilled in every Kipling bag. “There is no greater joy this Christmas than knowing we have brought smiles to others, especially children. Through “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow” program, we can make not only the holidays, but also the future, brighter for the children of World Vision.”

“We are very delighted to have this partnership with Kipling, which is known globally for bringing fun and joy through its fashionable bags. Were happy that this time, Kipling has decided to reach out and bring the same kind of goodwill to ensure the education of children sponsored by World Vision,” says National Resource Development Associate Director Jun Godornes.

Joining Kipling and World Vision in celebrating the launch of this meaningful endeavor are some of the country’s biggest celebrities who are also extending their support to the program. These include Miriam Quiambao, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kylie Padilla and Jessica Connelly.

Fashionable ladies on-the-go can also share in giving children a brighter tomorrow by shopping for a cause. For every Kipling bag or luggage purchased from December 1 to 31, 2012, Kipling will donate Php 500 to World Vision.

For its Holiday Collection, Kipling offers sporty and glam bags called Basic Elevated. These perfect everyday adventure companions come in stylish quilted exteriors, patent details, stunning linings, and 3 Christmas-themed colors red, white and black.

The Basic Elevated Collection includes New Elise that has a tablet-ready interior and can be worn 3 ways; Teagan S, a travel-savvy trolley with 2 compartments that are accessible from the topside; Weekend bag that can accommodate all your travel tidbits with its expandable bottom; and Creativity X a totally essential-ready cross-over bag.

“Kipling’s Holiday Collection is a line eagerly awaited by our loyal customers, but this time, we’d like to enjoin them to share the blessings of the season by participating in this program. This is because with every purchase of any Kipling bag, our customers get to enjoy cutting-edge designs and fashion- forward pieces as well as help build a brighter tomorrow for the less privileged children,” adds Millet Antonio, brand manager of Kipling in the Philippines.

Also helping raise awareness about Kipling’s A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow With World Vision program are our ad agency The Sven Group and talent agency Vidanes Marketing.

Kipling is available online at zalora.com.ph and at SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA The Block, SM Megamall, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, Robinsons Place Ermita, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Makati, Landmark Makati, Landmark TriNoma and soon-to-open Centrio Mall in Cagayan De Oro. To know more, visit Kipling Philippines on Facebook and get to find out more exciting news and promos from the lovable monkey.

Long queue line this Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. Decorations are up in the malls. You would see some houses decorated  with Santas and Christmas trees. The streets are filled with Christmas lights.   If you walk along  Makati's  busy  thoroughfares,  you'd  see  lighted buildings and streets.  Walk for a few minutes at Ayala Triangle Gardens and you'd feel Christmas from  thousands of  lights hanging in the trees  while dancing  with  music.

If  you ride  a  Light Trail Transit (LRT),  you need to wait for a long line before you reach  the counter to buy your ticket.  During this season, there are  a lot more commuters compared to other months of  the year because of the volume of people going  crazy  over shopping.  Good thing,  in all stations, there are rope stanchions that separate the male commuters from  female commuters.  At least all females feel secured even if it is crowded inside  the  train.   Long queue doesn't  end there at the train.  Because Christmas  is coming,  you  need to bear  the long lines  in all  the counters  even when you pay  your  bills.

Havaianas Pays it Forward with Design a Smile 2 for the Benefit of Operation Smile

When was the last time you made someone else smile? That is the question Havaianas asks you as it launches the Havaianas Design a Smile 2, a flip-flops design contest for the benefit of Operation Smile Philippines. First launched in 2010, Havaianas Design a Smile gives children the chance to show their artistic talents by designing the next Havaianas Smile pair – a special design which will be produced into an actual Havaianas pair A percentage of the sales will be donated to Operation Smile Philippines, a non-profit organization which provides life-changing surgeries to children with cleft lips and cleft palates. The initial run generated more than 2,000 entries and raised more than PHP 100,000 from donations alone during this period. “Havaianas believes that summer is a state of mind and can be lived every day of the year whenever you adopt a happy and carefree attitude,“ shares Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines. “And nowhere else is that more evident than in children. With Havaianas Design a Smile, we hope to generate funds and awareness to support Operation Smile in our shared mission to spread smiles all over the world.”



This November to January, Havaianas Design a Smile 2 is back, with the theme “Paying it Forward: Kids Helping Kids.” Beginning November 24th, artistically inclined kids can join Havaianas Design a Smile by submitting their designs illustrating their answer to the question “What will you do to make other people smile?” at partner events nationwide, beginning with the Bonifacio Global City Passion Fest at Bonifacio High Street from November 23 to 25, and at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent from November 24 to 25. Winners will receive exciting prizes from Havaianas, Bobble, Pininho, Hobbes and Landes, McDonald’s, and Sony. The grand prize winner will also have his or her design produced as part of the Havaianas 2014 Collection as the Havaianas Smile pair, with a percentage of the sales from which will help fund the operations of Operation Smile.

“The response from our initial run was overwhelming,” says Ammiel de Leon, Group Director, “this year, we hope to enrich our partnership with Operation Smile even more and involve more people all over the Philippines in Havaianas and Operation Smile’s advocacy to give children their smiles.”

Havaianas Design a Smile 2 kicks off at the Bonifacio Global City Passion Fest at Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig from November 23 to 25, and at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent, Rockwell PowerPlant Mall, Makati City from November 24 to 25. Like the Havaianas Philippines Official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/havaianasphilippines/ to find out other events that the Havaianas Design a Smile 2 booth will be visiting.

A Controversial Pose

Before I get into the title of my post,  let me tell you a few words about the latest news in town, a movie to watch and die for,   for the  spectators and fanatic of  The Twilight Saga:   Breaking Dawn Part 2.    I read a lot of  good  reviews about the movie Breaking Dawn Part 2 which stars  Robert Pattinson and  his girlfriend   Kristen Stewart (are they really back in each others arms again?)  and the reviews are quite interesting that  captured my interest to  watch the movie although  I am not really a  Twilight fanatic nor part  of  Team  Edward.  


Anyways,  Robert Pattinson  caught my attention when I saw his photo while he was  puffing in a cigarette.  I just don't know  the brand,   maybe  partagas cigars  or sort of.   Many actors smoke during cigarette breaks.  What I don't like is that, they really couldn't  control themselves  and  even pose in a camera with cigars in their hands. They must be very proud of  being  heavy smokers.  Remember the famous  actress who was featured on the cover of  a magazine holding a cigarette in  dramatic black  and white photo?   It  was her  comeback to showbiz industry   and  that  controversial  pose  made her way to become popular again.

My Christmas Tree is up

Our Christmas Tree is up,  not the photo  posted here.  The image above is a Christmas Tree from Precious Moment Restaurant.  I  don't  have any available photos of  our tree yet. It's the same  Christmas   tree that  we  put  every season  for  four  years now.  I lighted the tree  last night  and I felt like the season is already here.  We only have 40 days left before Christmas,  so do your shopping now and avoid the rush! Precious Moments Restaurant offers different Christmas items too.   I will post  more about  Christmas soon. Stay tuned!

What is it like to be a stay at home mom

So you think that being a stay at home mom is an easy job?  Read on so you'll understand.

I start my day at 4:30am and I mastered the art of waking up early without pressing the snooze button of my alarm clock.  It's the hardest thing for me to do because working mom online at the same time has no fixed schedule to follow unlike  working in the office which has  usual  working hours.  So, that starts my day,  preparing my children to school. I graduated already  from changing diapers to preparing children to adulthood. That's tough!   

Picking up dirty laundry and  scattered cables to keep  them neat are  my usual morning routine.  Yes,  I'm a smart mom, I use zip ties   for  tangled wires and power cords.   Oh, and that's only an extra task.   It doesn't end there.  Cooking,  washing, running errands, replenishing supplies,  disposing rubbish and dusting surfaces  are just  some in the list.  Want to know  more?  It's an  endless task.


Yes, I work at home but it doesn't change the title as a stay at home parent.  I still do what a stay at home mom does and I and multi task. But I am more than just a SAHM.  I do product reviews, reach out to other moms and blog  to chronicle my daily life.

So you think a stay at home is easy?   I have no pay and I work 24/7.

But I love this job!  I have my children and they are my sweet rewards!

Moms Get Organized in 2013 through the Mom 24/7 Planner

Doctor's appointment, pickup daughter from ballet practice, get snacks for son's play date, meeting with the client at 3PM, lunch with in-laws on the weekend and date night with the hubby tonight... Sound's familiar?
Moms nowadays are getting busier and busier and it's actually becoming a wonder how they do it. Juggling multiple roles and responsibilities: the kids, their husbands, a career or business, and hobbies on the side- surely they must have a sidekick even just to remind them of their next task or to breathe.

If you're a mom who strives to be efficient and organized, then the Mom 24/7 2013 Planner is especially made for you. Join the thousands of moms who have benefited from using the organizer since the launch of its maiden issue in 2012.

Tagged as "The Ultimate Mom Planner," the 6x8 inch hard bound, spiral bound organizer is equipped with special planning pages to help you manage your personal, family, home and work life so you can have more time to spend at will. May it be for quality family time,productive work time or "me" time.

The 2013 issue has a watercolor theme reflecting the soft and gentle yet colorful and creative side of motherhood. It is more compact to make it a handy mom companion throughout next year.

The Mom 24/7 2013 Planner also contains health record pages the entire family, a family vacation planner and even party planning pages. To help us run an organized home, the planner also has designated sections for money matters, grocery lists, menu planner, household help records.

The Mom 24/7 2013 Planner isn't called "The Ultimate Mom Planner" for nothing. The organizer has a special portion for mom's personal development where you can list down your goals and ideas. The planner even has a menstrual tracker. If you are also feeling joyous or reflective, be inspired along with the other moms who shared their personal experiences about motherhood which you can read on the topmost part of every page.

Each Mom 24/7 2013 contains coupons from Mommy Mundo partners so make sure to grab a copy. Enjoy discounts and freegoodies from All Flip-Flops, Lactacyd Toddler Tubs, Smart Explorers, Silly Monkey Clothing, Bug & Kelly, Mommy Matters, Natural Origins, Baby & Beyond, Philips Avent, Cycles and Cradles, Tiny Buds, Fun Ranch and Dentiste.

The Mom 24/7 2013 Planner will be available at the following retailers by third week of November: Fully Booked, National Bookstore, Hobbes & Landes, Numa, Medela House, Momtrepreneur Shop, and online through www.shopmommymatters.com, and Indigo Baby.

For more info visit www.MommyMundo.com/mom247planner2013, email info@mommymundo.com or text 09178162524.

Dell Philippines Commits to Making a Difference in the Community

Pledges long-term support for four local charities in aid of children’s causes

MANILA, Philippines, November 1, 2012 -- Dell Philippines has pledged support for four local charitable organisations promoting children’s welfare and education, further extending the company’s strategic global giving efforts to make a meaningful impact to communities around the world. The identified organizations are Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc., Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc., Children's Joy Foundation, Inc., and Haven for Children.

With an aim to address pressing social issues, Dell will work with these charities to provide assistance through technology, know-how and volunteer support. “We find that these four organizations have many needs, donations being just one of them,” Richard Teo, president for Dell Philippines said. “The activities that they need to roll out require volunteers and additional manpower, so I see our Make a Difference program as the best way to connect our team members and the communities that can benefit from our collective giving efforts.

“Our team members have always been passionate about wanting to help different communities, but in the past, they did not know how and where to go. By formalizing our strategic giving partners, we now encourage team members to devote their time to these worthy causes,” added Teo.

“We chose our current partners because they regularly need volunteers and team support. The programs may evolve, but the need for help is always there,” he said. “Dell Philippines will strive to sustain these charitable activities and lend our time year-on-year. The ultimate goal is to spread volunteerism among our people, and to see our efforts grow and benefit the community.”

Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.
Dell has been supporting Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.—a rehabilitation and skills training center dedicated to helping people with disabilities become productive and self-sufficient members of society—through mentoring, donations and volunteering at the center. Tess Lloren, resource mobilization director of Tahanang Walang Hagdan Inc., said “Dell really has compassion towards marginalized sectors; not all companies will stay with you throughout the years. They have been very supportive with our outreach programs and services and have really helped us in every way.

“Dell also donated several laptops which we use in the offices making our work faster and more efficient and also use them during our community visits in places where we undertake the community-based rehabilitation program,” she added.

The two organizations have also teamed up for a sustainable recycling program, another indication of the deep partnership between the two entities. According to Lloren, recyclable materials from the Dell Philippines offices will be sent to the center to be re-purposed. Items such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can be reused by the foundation's staff, while newspapers are woven into other products, and non-recyclable items are sold to buyers of scrap materials. “The efforts of the volunteers and the proceeds really help us in sustaining our educational program for the young and with disabilities,” Lloren said.

Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc.
Advocating the cause to protect and defend the rights of street children and turn them into productive citizens, Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc. has also benefited from donations and time expended by Dell volunteers. “We need volunteers very badly because of the wide area we cover. We need a lot of support from willing and able people to teach in the areas where we operate, to engage with the children in educational and extra-curricular activities such as sports, singing and dancing, mathematics, reading and writing tutorials, physical exercises, handicrafts, computer literacy and values formation,” explained Teresita Silva, Childhope Asia Philippines’ president and executive director.

Dell’s Teo said “Dell's partnership with Childhope is part of our commitment to actively support children’s issues which are very close to the hearts of many Dell team members. There are mothers in our organization with children of their own whom we wish to see grow up and become productive members of our communities.” At present, Dell has supported Childhope Asia Philippines with footwear donations and feeding programs.

Children's Joy Foundation, Inc.
Dell team members have also been volunteering time, offering community classes for the abandoned and neglected children sheltered at the Children's Joy Foundation, Inc.

“The Dell Philippines team has been a very good partner of the Children’s Joy Foundation in achieving our advocacy to give a brighter future to destitute children across the country by providing quality education and empowerment of computer literacy program. We believe that the true measure of our success as an institution that helps children is seeing a lesser number of computer illiterate youths and more brilliant Filipino IT professionals who are inspired by good people like the Dell team,” said Rosemarie Dimagnaong, executive director of Children's Joy Foundation, Inc.

“The Dell team also spent an evening with the children during last year’s Christmas season. They made the kids very happy, giving them a reprieve from the rigors of daily life through a night of laughter and love,” she added.

Haven for Children
Haven for Children, a government institution working with more than a hundred former street children and substance abuse victims aged seven to 13, is another primary partner of Dell Philippines. Last year, Dell provided the organization and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with new desktop computers for the institution’s educational component. “We are very grateful to Dell for the computers they donated,” said Nieve Gentelizo, officer-in-charge of Haven for Children. “The children are now starting to learn computer basics, so Dell's donation really helped us a lot.”

Apart from donating clothing, medicine and other basic provisions, Dell team members can also volunteer for Haven for Children's computer literacy program to bolster the efforts of the five teachers in charge of the kids.

“More work can be done. Dell recognizes these concerns and our people from all levels and departments will continue to work with the four giving partners. The little things we can contribute can make a big difference,” Teo said. “If everyone of our over 1,600 team members contributes even two to three hours a month, the impact we can make in the communities and the lives of the underprivileged will be significant.”

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. Powering the Possible is Dell’s commitment to put technology and expertise to work where it can do the most good for people and the planet. Dell works with nonprofits to address pressing social issues by donating a combination of Dell technologies and solutions, funding, expertise and volunteer support. In 2011, Dell gave more than $44 million, and Dell team members volunteered more than 418,000 hours in their communities. Learn more at www.dell.com/communities

Come Home to Laguna at Casa San Pablo

When on vacation, you're always  excited to go home right?  You want to visit your hometown,  reminisce good memories and meet your relatives. Unfortunately, when you go home, the house that our ancestors onced lived  no longer exist,   now modernized and  rebuilt  with no traces left of the past.  You won't see  old furniture anymore.  If there are some,  you  would see them only in photos.  Chances are,  the rustic wood and old set of  furniture were already sold to antique shop  while the old  bangerahan and  other  rustic sets  were already  trashed  or  dusted  in a stock room.


Last sem break,  we just found another home.  What I missed in the past came back to life again.  We came home refreshed, energized, recharged and full of   memories to keep. What just happened?  We spent another  weekend in a cozy place like we visited our  grandparents in our home province. And where did we go?  In the heart of  Laguna,  Casa San Pablo.

Let me tell you my story and tour you  down  to a place what we called  home for a while.  Let me just  post more photos  according to the sequence of  images in my photo archive.

Warm welcome by the owners,  Boots and his wife An

We were welcomed with a warm heart by the owners  Boots  Alcantara and  his wife An Alcantara.  Boots is an avid art collector and hobby enthusiast while An is a writer and editor of a magazine.   They run  Casa San Pablo as a team, the cozy bed and breakfast inn in the heart of Laguna  located inside  Gomez compound, a family compound where Boots grew up.   Boots turned a portion  of  it into a  very relaxing, cozy  place to stay, a very unique theme you will seldom see in other B & B resort.   Home will always be a place where everyone  wants to stay and that's exactly what I feel during our vacation.   The experience that we had was unforgettable especially for the kids. There were  lots of activities for kids like cooking demo,  clay demo, bonfire and other  fun activities.  I grew up also in the province  and our short  stay brought me  back down to nostalgic lane.


Here are some activities that we had at Casa San Pablo


As soon as we unloaded our things, the children ran to the hammocks and occupy each and rest like it was really their  home.

The Native Cooking Demo

Right after our sumptuous breakfast,  An  introduced us the historic San Pablo and how the coconut became the basic ingredient  for native cooking  to locals. This activity is awesome and I  don't think my children will ever experience this  again in any other vacations.

Below photos need no caption anymore as they already  speak for themselves. The kids were really interested  about the past on how native cooking was like.  The native cooking  is said to be the best in the world. The best chef is found in the kitchen of our home.

The kids participated in  preparing and cooking three native dishes.  The first dish that we made was Adobo sa  Gata then Kulawo and Pinaltok.

 

 

The shredded coconut is burned using coconut charcoal. After a while,  they squeezed in the juice  from the burnt coconut to make a coconut cream. The juice that came out   gave a unique  and authentic taste.  I can't explain how it exactly tastes like, it is  just different and unique.

 

 

This little man is seriously squeezing the juice from the  shredded coconut.  I'll tell you I was really amazed how  he showed   interest during the cooking demo.

  

And now comes  the tasting time..  Yummy!

 

So cute!  Maybe I should schedule another cooking demo in our house  with this little man. This activity is not just interesting but educational too.

 

 

And here is the product of  native cooking demo:  Pinaltok, Adobo sa Gata and Kulawo.

Clay Workshop Demo


An  is a hobby enthusiast who loves to make  clay storyteller dolls.  She demonstrated the kids how to make  clay figured inspired by the creations of  Native American pueblo artisans.

Nice art!  Each creation has its own story to tell.

After An Alcantara demonstrated how to make a clay figure, the children were given a time to create their own.

 Up close of  Juan's masterpiece. He said that he's gonna make an  image in his mind.  A woman crossing arms,  probably  because this woman is  getting old  and cold.  And the woman that he created was  me. Really?  I appreciate  it a lot  my dear! 



Camp Adobo's  Bonfire Fun..

 Credits to www.occassionsofjoy.com for the above photo.

Children were having fun while toasting hotdog and marshmallow during the bonfire which was unusual  for them in other vacation. They will never forget this fun activity, so rare and so fun.

Swimming


The Mendiolables splashed  into the pool water while me and my kids stayed in the room and grabbed the chance to catch up some relaxing sleep. It was too late when we woke up and my children went swimming the next morning   instead.

Boots  shared to us how  Casa San Pablo began. The resort is situated inside the Gomez compound  with about  7 hectares of  land area.  From a day resort called "Kay Inay"  Boots decided to put up his own country inn inside the family compound.  He built the first six rooms together with his friends  using  an old house in Quezon. They rebuilt the house using  antique items, doors, windows,  old flat irons. Every piece in bedrooms in Casa San Pablo has different pieces  of art.  Casa San Pablo can accomodate 130 guests.  There are rooms that can accommodate  2 to 4 people,  8 people,  16 people and more.  Check the website (provided below)  for complete overnight  package.  The price is quite affordable including 3 meals,  (lunch, dinner and breakfast).

This is the room with a loft where we stayed.   The kids love the attic with sloped ceiling. You  have to check it out and experience yourself  the real  beauty of  Casa San Pablo.

When we asked the owners, Boots and An  where they got the inspiration for the B & B  resort,  they said that they were  inspired during their travels  in Europe and  other countries.  They  put  together the modernized theme  but still maintain the traditional home and  nostalgic-like feeling  like you were visiting your grandparents  in your province.

Casa San Pablo has its own beauty that is so unique with  its  folk art pieces and vintage scattered  like  paper mache horses, vintage coal iron placed on stepper, clay fish in the gardens,  and other works of art. 

Rooms have artwork exhibit  from artworks of  Elmer Borlongan, Eliezer John Cabangon, Halili and Tony Leano, dines among Ang Kiukoks, bathes in bathrooms designed by Ugu Bigyan.

My little daughter didn't spare the bathroom and  took  a  photo of herself  inside.

There is a wifi  in a common area  and in some guest  and conference  rooms for wider coverage  but it doesn't matter  to us  with or  without internet anyway.  We came to Casa San Pablo to  relax. It's the only  time we're  disconnected  to online world.   For a  little while,  we  lived a life without any gadgets  in our hands  to interrupt  our  happy bonding moments.

I  felt very secured inside.  Why did I say that?  Because we are inside  a family compound.  There is security guard  at the gate and the staff  were all  polite. Definitely, a must visit place for travelers,  group,  barkadas,  couples or  even  alone by yourself   if  you  want  to have some peace and quiet me-time.
The place is  perfect to hold  your  most  important events in your life like wedding and anniversary.  Check it out with  the  owners,  Boots and An  for different themes  to choose from, a country style,vintage, etc..


Dining at Casa San Pablo

Food served to us were all home cooked like it's being cooked by our mother, home cooked and unique Filipino taste.  They cooked some fresh  produce from the backyard,  I mean  really  FRESH  because I could taste it and feel it to bits.

Dining at  Casa San Pablo is like dining in your own house.  What we had for breakfast:   crispy bolinao,  sinangag,  San Pablo longaniza and tocino, sunny side up egg,  chocolate and suman and more.

 

Have fun..

Bonding moments,  sharing stories and pick up lines.

Before going back to Manila, we had a photo op with the owners  Boots and An. Thank you very much for   the warm welcome and for giving us wonderful  moments during our stay.  We really enjoyed our vacation and that memories will always be in our hearts forever.

Come home for a while.

Just  relax..

Sleep in a hammock.

and  just enjoy time..

Casa San Pablo

Barrio San Roque, San Pablo City, Laguna Philippines

Contact Numbers: (0920) 962 4083 (0917) 812 6687  (632) 211 2132

email: info@casasanpablo.com

Website:   http://casasanpablo.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/casasanpablo

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/casasanpablo

How to get there:

Driving to Casa San Pablo was easier for us and took us only about an hour and few minutes because we are familiar with the place.  For  detailed information, check them out  here.

Getting To Casa San Pablo By  Bus.  Take any bus going to Laguna. Get off at San Pablo Medical Center along the highway.  From the Medical Center, take a tricycle to Kay Inay Resort. Casa San Pablo is inside Kay Inay Resort.   For more information, check them out   here


I know that my post is already loaded with  lots of  photos but  they weren't enough for me.  I just can't  help but  share more of  our mini vacation.  View more photos  here.