Lifestyle

November 28, 2014

Glorietta's Midnight Madness Sale (November 28 - 30)

Here is something for budget conscious mommies.


Make the most out of your Christmas' Shopping money by taking advantage of Glorietta's Midnight Madness Sale with discount deals up to 70% off happening this Nov 28 to 30.


                                   



They will also be having Flash Sales (1 hour per night shopping spree)  participating stores with FLASH SALE poster will give out additional 20% discount.  That is up to 90% in savings. 



Watch out for the Flash Sales schedule:
Nov 28: 12nn-1pm





Midnight shoppers also get a chance to receive gifts from Glorieta, if they shop at five (5) Glorietta stores and restaurants

There is more, lucky shoppers, also get a chance to win a Subaru Forester or Philippine Airlines tickets for two (2) when shopping at Glorietta.

Let us Shop and be Merry!

Glorietta Holiday Mall Hours have extended to give you more time to shop! 





Share this good news to your friends and peers! Follow @iloveglorietta and use these hashtags #‎glorietta‬ ‪#‎iloveglorietta‬ ‪#‎MakeChristmasMoreMeaningful‬ #FlashSale #GloriettaFlashSale



November 24, 2014

10 Worthwhile Gift Ideas from The Mind Museum

Are you looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for people closest to your heart?  

Here are 10 well thought off and worthwhile gift suggestions from The Mind Museum to help you:

1. A Scientific Date: Have an exciting fun filled day with your loved ones with an All Day Pass or gift certificate to The Mind Museum! Fuel your children’s interest in science and love for knowledge.
I can honestly say that this is a gift your children (and even your husband) will treasure and remember by.  

Read here, how science literally came to life in our last Mind Museum trip. 

(The Mind Museum All day passes is sold for only Php750) 
2. Name Stars after Your Loved Ones: Your honey will surely be delighted in seeing his/her name imprinted on the virtual stars that make up a constellation; Little ones, meanwhile would definitely find it amusing to have a specific kind of dinosaur from a virtual era in history named after him/her.
What’s more heart-warming is that all proceeds for this program go to supporting the various projects of The Mind Museum, such as giving free museum visits to public school kids.
(Virtual exhibits’ price ranges from Php1,000 to Php5,000, depending on your choice of show. For more information, visit http://exhibits.themindmuseum.org.
3. Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass: Just imagine a year-round, all-day admission to the country’s first world-class science museum. This gift is perfect for your aspiring young scientist.
The Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass also gives free admission to over 300 worldwide science museums, discounts on travelling exhibition tickets, birthday packages, and purchases inside The Mind Museum Store. This unli-pass also directly supports free museum passes for underprivileged kids. 
(For a group of four or more, avail the Unlimited Science Pass for only Php2,250/pax. Visit https://www.themindmuseum.org/science-alive/63/membership-program for more information)
4. All for Science, All for Love: Celebrate the holidays in a meaningful way, by sponsoring a trip for public school kids. Ask your family or friends to join you in spearheading this project to further enrich the sense of wonder of these young ones. The Mind Museum’s doors are open to help you plan and accomplish this advocacy of embracing and sharing the true spirit of the season. 
(To inquire about this project, please send your email to inquiry@themindmuseum.org.)  

Inspire young minds, with the following gifts you can get from the Mind Museum Store:

 


5. Cool Statement Shirts: Let your friends “wear their wit” with design shirts that are exclusively available in The Mind Museum Store! These shirts come in different colors and are tastefully designed with vibrant graphics and statements that will truly make science a cool fashion statement of choice this holiday season. 
(Prices range from Php379.75 to Php499.75)
6. Puzzles, Papers, and PencilsInstead of those tired old notebooks or planners, try giving the young ones (or even your family and friends) funky Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook, paired with Puzzle Color Pencils  

(Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook are sold for only Php379.75, while Puzzle Color Pencils set is sold for only Php649.75.)
7. Own the Universe: Seize the universe, literally, through the Star Planetarium! This contraption projects 3D stars, planets, and constellations. It includes 3D glasses for a more mesmerizing virtual representation of what’s above and beyond the world we’re living in. 

(The Star Planetarium set is sold for only Php2,579.75.)
8. Un-earthen Dinosaurs: Your little paleontologist would be transported back in time to the era of dinosaurs with this special edition of Dino Excavation Kit.  Dig for bones hidden in the gypsum block, assemble them and enjoy your very own miniature dinosaur skeleton replica.

(The entire Dino Excavation Kit is sold for Php2,699.75.)

9. Tricks and Treats: Put fun in learning through playing cards, such as “What’s GNU?” and “Hyperswipe!” (What’s GNU deck costs Php9,49.75 while the Hyperswipe set costs Php1,349.75.)

10. Build Your Own, Learn on Your Own: Teach your young ones the basics of gardening, without having to worry about landscaping your backyard, with innovative plant miniatures!

Learn about Sweet Leaf, which grows leaves used as a natural substitute for sugar; Mini-Melons that will actually produce sweet mini cantaloupes in less than 2 months; or get really out-of-this-world with the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden that will allow your young ones to experiment right in their own mini pots! 
(Sweet leaf and Mini-melons cost Pho829.75 each while the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden is sold for Php1,229.75.)

Make this holiday season more meaningful for your children, for inquiries visit The Mind Museum today. 

 


November 22, 2014

Jipangyi ~ Seoul Cane Ice Cream (latest ice cream craze in town)

Jipangyi ice cream stalls never seem to run out of people lining for a cane (yup cane) of Jipangyi ice cream.
 
The curious cat in me, caught up and I got me my son  a cane each.
 
Jipangyi ice cream prides itself as the only ice cream store offering soft served ice cream in cane cones made of corn.   
 
Cost is really affordable at P35 per cane.
 
 


HONEST VERDICT:  
  • My son did not finish his ice cream. My boy loves ice cream, but this one was just not his taste.    
  • Never got to finish mine either. I cannot understand why everyone enjoyed their Jipangyi ice cream and I did not.
  • I totally love the cute presentation, but that was just about it for me. 
  • The ice cream was just ordinary and the cane cone bland and too hard. I can't hardly bite through. 

Should you buy? 
Others enjoyed their Jipangyi ice cream, so don't let this review stop you. Besides eating ice cream in a cane cone made of corn should be experienced at least ones. 

My yummy BANNAPLE!!!

 
Love, love, love BANNAPLE
 
But the long and endless queue of customers lining up is very disheartening, especially if your stomach is already growling!!!
 
I am happy to see that Bannaple has been expanding branches to serve its hungry customers. 
 
As of writing, they now have stores at Robinson's Galleria, Ayala Fairview Terraces, the Sky Garden at SM City North Edsa, Tuscany at McKinley Hill, Katipunan, Connecticut Greenhills, Market Market at BGC, Alabang Town Center, Tomas Morato at Ayala Triangle.
 
Cute interiors at the Market Market BGC branch.

 
Bannaple Pies and Cheese Cakescakes serve hearty meals guaranteed to satisfy your hunger.  Hot dishes and pasta meals are reasonably priced and are with generous servings. 
 
 
 
It is highly recommended that you finish your meal with a cup of their brewed coffee and an order their top seller banoffeepie.
 
 
Simply delicious!

Relaxing Stay at 8 Suites Tagaytay

It was a busy work week for me and hubby and needed a quick get-away haven to relax and unwind.

So we got ourselves, what seemed to be a perfect deal from a group buying site and before we knew it: our bags were packed and we were dragging the kids off to 8 Suites by Fat Jimmy in Tagaytay.

Traffic was light and we reached our destination just in time for the 2pm check-in.  There were no visitors when we came in and for a moment it felt like being welcomed to our own vacation home (libre mangarap).



8 Suites is a bit far-off Tagaytay City proper. It is difficult to reach without your own transportation, which also meant it was heavenly peaceful and tranquil. 

 We were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful 8 Suites is. 


And its location overlooking Taal Lake was enough reason to choose this place and stay.


As the name suggests, this bed and breakfast place only has 8 rooms. There are 3 room types: deluxe, superior and premier. 
 
We were ushered to a deluxe room, with 2 queen sized bed that can fit 4 adults comfortably. 

Our room has a balcony that overlooks the majestic Taal Volcano ~ I would honestly not mind to just laze around and do nothing with this view.
  




Our deal came with breakfast, which we opted served at the dining area.   We can't say much about the food as they were just okay.  But that was forgivable, as we did not come here for the food anyway - It was no big deal.     



VERDICT:
  • It is a bit costly, but the view is really breathtaking.  If you can get your hands on promos, don't think twice.
 
  • The room we stayed in, is decent and clean. Aircon worked well and the water temperature and pressure were very good.

  • Food is average. If you want decent meals, you can head to nearby restaurants 5-10 minutes away 8 Suites.  I highly recommend Morielli's and Red Lemon Grill.

  • There are no hotel amenities. No recreational activities, game rooms, swimming pool or gym. You can, however, borrow DVDs from the reception area or lounge by the balcony.

We left 8 Suites refreshed and rested. 
We will definitely be back.


LOCATION:


Lot 7, Ridge View Subdivision,
Barangay Iruhin, Tagaytay City
 
Manila Office (T : 655-0194 / M: 0922-8753088)
Tagaytay Office (M: +63(922)874-4088)

Cute Hoodie Bags


Bag Hoodies by Kaila Bags and Fashion Accessories.

Stylish and quirky-designed bags, made with light weight washable material, perfect for active and imaginative children.

These handmade backpacks are well made and very affordable - perfect gift to your little ones this Christmas season.

Just look how adorably cute this hoodie bag is.   
I got this Tiger Hoodie-bag for my 6 year old.  He loves it and brings it to school for show off.
 


They have alot of bag designs and accessories to choose from.  



 


Go visit and see for yourself their branch at Robinson's Antipolo.  You can also check out their facebook page for their other products here -  Kaila's Bags and Accessories

Honest to Goodness Citizen Services


Why line up and waste your precious time and money, when there is a faster and more hassle free way of getting your NSO document certificates?

Through NSOHelpline.com, you may secure copies of your civil registry documents fast and easy.  You can request for your documents online (www.nsohelpline.com) or by phone (02) 737-1111. This would take you only 15 minutes of your time.

You can pay for your document requests using VISA or MasterCard. And in just 2-3 days, your NSO certificate will be delivered right at your door step, anywhere in the Philippines.
 
It is that easy!
 


The NSOHelpline.com is just one of the many innovative solutions provided by Pilipinas Teleserv.


Pilipinas Teleserv

Now going on its 14th year of dedicated service, Pilipinas Teleserv  has been providing Filipinos with cutting-edge customer management solutions and innovative business process outsourcing services.  Primary of these solutions is Citizen Services, an integrated customer service solution that has changed the way people transact with government agencies, such as the:
  • National Statistics Office
  • Department of Foreign Affairs 
  • POEA
  • Civil Service Commission
  • BIR
  • DTI
  • PhilHealth
  • NCC
  • DOH
  • Government Service Insurance System
  • Securities and Exchange Commission and
  • DPWH

Aside from the NSOHelpline, other central services available to Filipinos are:

DFA Passport Appointment System



Through the DFA Passport Appointment System, the process of applying for a new passport and renewing an expiring passport has become much more swift and convenient.   www.passport.com.ph is your easy access in getting an appointment for you DFA passport application. You get to choose the date, time and location at your convenience all in one click.  And if you want to talk to someone, simply call the hotline (02) 737-1000. 
 
 
GSIS Contact Center

From September 2012 until March 2014, Pilipinas Teleserv managed the Philippine Government’s ambitious Contact Center ng Bayan project, a national helpdesk that utilizes citizen vigilance to keep government offices and agents accountable for their actions. Concerned citizens can lodge complaints and request for information via the hotline, SMS, and email.
 

SEC Express System




This is an online processing and delivery of SEC Documents.
 

Documents like articles of incorporation/partnership, by-laws, general information sheet, increase/decrease of capital stock, audited financial statements, registration data sheet, resolution (minutes), secretary’s certificate, board resolution, and other documents can now be requested easily.

 

Simply log on to www.secexpress.ph to request for SEC documents or call (02) 737-8888 (Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm).
 


 

I have personally tried the NSOHelpline and the DFA Passport Appointment System -  truly convenient and hassle free. 
 
Try them now!
 
 
 

November 15, 2014

Habitat for Humanity Philippines

Let us do our share...

Join and be part of Habitat for Humanity Philippines  as it welcomes the joyous Season of Giving through Pamaskong Handog (a Habitat Christmas offerings).

Your donation will help +HabitatPhils provide Noche Buena packs to hundreds of Habitat home partners in Payatas, Navotas, Taguig, Pasig and Malabon. Your gift will also fund our ongoing community development projects in the country.

Give a meaningful Christmas gift today!



November 4, 2014

Movie Star Cafe just like in the MOVIES

I have heard quite a lot about one of the newest family restaurants in town - Movie Stars Café.  
 
It is a special kind of restaurant that runs hourly performances for the entire family entertainment.
 
So on my youngest son's 6th birthday, I pre-booked seats for us to check out and see for ourselves what the rave is all about.
 
 
 Movie Stars Café (here we are)
  
My boys gamely posed next to the King (himself) Kong (LOL!)
 
 
We came at about 6pm and found the place already half-packed.  There were still plenty of seats upfront, but to my dismay, we were given seats at the back. 
 
Although the place is small, and the back seats are only about 3-5 feet away from the  small runway stage,  I have been wanting to get front seats to amp my kids enjoyment in watching the shows.
 
I tried to use my charm to be moved upfront, but nah!
 
People started pouring in at 630pm and by 645 it was already jam-packed, so it was good we came in a little early.
 
We got eat-all-you buffet for four (2 adults and 2 kids), which cost P699 for adults and extra P100 for drinks.
 
There is not much to say about the food. It was plain and simple - much like a birthday party sort of spread.  
I honestly recommend you just do an a la carte.  That would be much cheaper and you get to choose what you like.  
 
 
There are plenty of MSC cast in famous movie character costume around to keep your kiddos busy in between performances that starts at 7pm.
 
If you did not get your money's worth from the food, don't fret since the shows are truly worth your every centavo.
 
(Performances photos courtesy of MSC FB page)
 
My boys had so much fun - my youngest son's jaw dropped seeing Spidey dance.
 
 Our choice pictures. L-R/T-B: Papa with Atom; Raj with Spider Man; Kuya with Jabbawockeez and Me with Bubblebee!
 
TIPS:
  1. Reserve early.  Don't take chances, especially during weekends as it gets really crowded.
  2. Do a la carte instead of buffet. 
  3. Enjoy and don't hesitate to approach the performers.  They are very accommodating and will gladly pose with you!
  4. Enjoy and have fun.
 
Movie Stars Café
Seaside Blvd., SM Mall of Asia
Pasay City
Tel. No. 550-1234
 
 

MR. PARK (yummy breads and cakes)

 


This is a long over due shout out!
 
WE LOVE MR. PARK
 
My husband discovered this unassuming pastry shop in Ortigas Center Pasig. Hubby bought a box of Mr. Park's cream puffs for the kiddos for pasalubong.


 
The boys opened the box and giddily munched on the cream puffs.
The cream puffs literally "pops" at first bite.  A bit messy, but an awesome eat!!!
 
It was such ruckuss as the boys finished everything... except one that I managed to save (hihihi!)




 
 
WARNING: 
Don't bite, put the entire puff inside your mouth then chew (Mr. Park should have stamped this warning on his cream puff boxes)!
 
Mr. Park is an absolute must try.  Check out their other specialty breads and cakes too, I am sure you won't be disappointed.
 
I suggest you visit the Eton Emerald Lofts branch.  The Korean owner is so nice, he would often hand out new products to customers to try for free.
 
We frequent the Mr. Park's Breads and Cakes located at the
Ground Floor of Eton Emerald Lofts,
Garnet Street Corner F. Ortigas Jr, Ortigas, Pasig City.