Thoughts on The 2015 Budget

 

NEXT YEAR’S national budget has been capped at P2.606 trillion as the government looks to invest more to support continued economic growth and rebuild areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.

This 2015 national budget will be principally acquired from tax revenues from property taxes, international trades, domestic goods and services & net income and profits.

Midea makes your kitchen your favorite place this Christmas

Almost all homemakers recognize that their kitchen is the one place where they will stay the most this Christmas.  Regardless of whether they are fulltime mothers or working ladies who spend time in an office eight hours a day, they still have the last say on the kind of cuisine that will be laid on the breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner table.

The tension increases especially during the holidays, given the many meals they have to prepare, the many visitors they have to entertain, and the delicacies they might want to bake themselves and give away as special gifts.

Thanks to Midea, the global brand and the largest producer of consumer appliances. Holidays and all that works that goes in the kitchen can be fun. Homemakers will find that the Midea’s microwave and induction cooker are invaluable instruments in whipping up those traditional, favorite dishes preferred by their loved ones.

Midea’s microwave oven can warm up ingredients or a frozen dish in just 90 seconds.  It can prepare easy-to-cook recipes in that same amount of time. Christmas ham can be sliced and cooked in less than two minutes, prepared just in time for the noche buena and as soon as the kids come home from their caroling and partying. Other mouth-watering meat which the family loves, such as hotdogs and bacon, can come out crispier, making each bite of them memorable.

COOK MAGAZINE LAUNCHES ITS NEWEST KITCHEN STUDIO WITH PARTNERS

They are expanding and no one can stop a brand that really works hard to bring to its reader the best recipe that they could prepared. And now  Cook Magazine did it again with their latest project.

Cook Magazine, the country’s longest running monthly culinary magazine, recently launched their state-of-the-art Kitchen Studio. In partnership with HÄFELE, the brand new COOK MAGAZINE KITCHEN STUDIO will be serving as the magazine’s test and demonstration facility. Equipped with the latest and best kitchen appliances and fixtures from HÄFELE and its other brands, namely, Bosch, Siemens and Gorenje, the new kitchen will showcase the best of European technology for the Filipino foodie.

Midea’s Microwave Ovens: Cook faster and healthier

So many dishes, so many leaf overs, what to do with ? We reheat food but we want it fast and convenient and we want it to be done by our kids even when we are out of the house. Convinient , fast, and safe are thing that we also desire.

Homemakers and food lovers everywhere have two important things that they always keep in mind:  how to prepare a table of delicious goodies for their guests in the quickest way possible, and at the same time maintaining that great taste.  Given the growing health consciousness among even the most ardent culinary enthusiasts, the nutritional value of the dishes served is also a factor that is taken into account.

The answer lies with Midea’s new Microwave ovens because they possess three aspects helpful to both cooks and consumers and which, when seen collectively together,  may be difficult to find in other brands.  The first, naturally is speed.  A basic meal can be prepared for immediate dining in just 90 seconds or less than two minutes.   For tired professionals coming home after a long day’s work or weekend hosts who will be entertaining their buddies, the Midea ovens can heat ready-to-eat dishes or warm bowls of soup or sliced meat.

Sand at SM by the Bay: Manila's Newest Venue for Sand Lovers

When we say Beach Volleyball, the first thing that would come in our mind is sand. Players need to go as far as Boracay or Palawan to get the kind of venue that they need. Well, they don’t need to look far because the sand they need is now here in Manila

Bow & Wow: Pet Parents Haven

We are pet lovers and we surely do everything that we believe would be beneficial to our pets. I would like to share to you about an all-natural pet food store in the Philippines; Bow & Wow. Bow & Wow believe that the key to raising and healthy pets is through good nutrition; which we also believe. We are not just pet owners, we are pet lovers; and because of that, Bow & Wow employees considered themselves as pet parents as well. Most of their Pet Care Advisors are either a diploma-holder of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or a licensed veterinarian

Bow & Wow have the widest range of premium, additive-free and preservative-free pet food from USA.  They also carry a great selection of quality grooming products, toys and accessories for happy and healthy pets.

Here is a video showing the stars; Bow the Dog and Wow the Cat. This video serves as an eye opener for pet parents to be more selective and aware of what they feed their pets. Pets are totally dependent on their pet parents to give them a long, healthy, and happy life they deserve. Not all pet food is created equal: there is also junk pet food, which may even be detrimental to their quality of life and longevity.

What you feed your pet has a direct impact on how he or she looks, feels, and acts

Feeding organic or natural pet food helps ensure your fur baby lives a long, happy and healthy life

#OCT302014: What's Up with Easy Taxi

Getting a taxi has been a big problem especially this upcoming Christmas, but there are companies who are making ways to make this problem solved.  Getting a cab was solved in the other parts of the globe and it was proven to be effective. Easy Taxi recently included the Philippines as one of the country that would benefit with the Easy Taxi application and they got a new surprise.

There is a Better Way @ Aerternum Garden

My father visited me last week and told me not to forget that he and my brother will meet on Oct. 27 at my mother’s grave.  It’s the time of the year when we celebrate the Araw ng mga Patay and everyone would be busy making sure that the memorial place of our love ones are repainted and cleaned.

We actually have our own lot at North Cemetery where all the remains of our relatives are buried. This is our traditional way, but every year; a scenario was always expected. As we prepare for Nov. 1, we also prepare ourselves to the difficulties that we need to undergo every All Soul’s Day. Since I’m residing in Pasig, we have to leave early to be able to reach Manila early and to avoid the rush plus the traffic. Every year, we need to prepare for the climate ahead of time (bring the umbrella); we all knew that it’s rain every All Soul’s Day. Every year, we have to prepare ourselves with the lines as we reach the entrance of the cemetery. There are times that I really complain, complain there are other days in a year that we could visit them and not wait for All Soul’s Day just to visit them. I was always wondering if there is an alternative way to do it, a better way.

I love my family, and if that’s the way to do it, then so be it. Go ahead with the traffic, with the bad weather, with the putik, with small space. But the thing is; there is a better way.

I know that my family loves me and they will also sacrifice a day to be able to celebrate the All Soul’s Day with me when my time comes; but do I want them to experience the difficulties that I have to endure every year just to be able to be with my departed love ones.

I don’t want to sound morbid or anything but we are all going to meet God, in the time that he called us. Death is something that we cannot avoid; we have to accept the fact that it’s the final destination of every one of us. Just like education, we need to prepare for this kind of scenario. I live my life to the fullest; and I wanted to leave in a way that my family need not encounter any problem if the time comes.  I always prepare for future events; even my death is something I have planned already.

Morbid as it sound, I was already planning as how would I leave. I already scouting for funeral plans and arrangement ( well as I say, daig ng maagap ang masipag)

One of the places that I find is Aeternum Garden. Aeternum Garden is located inside Heritage Park in Taguig. The location is accessible for private vehicles and commuters. Words are not enough to express how majestic the Aeternum Garden is. If I didn't mention where this photos where taken; would you guess that it's a location for a columbary; I believe that you would not guess it.

THE PLACE

Victory Party by ATAT for ATAT and Colleagues

I had known them only a few months back but I was surprise when I watch them live do what they do best; ride with speed.  I was one of the bloggers who was able to watch the ATAT MC compete at the recent big bike competition held at Clark. And because of that competition, I would say; I know ATAT MC much more than what you see.

Italianni’s WINEsdayFor October

There’s nothing more relaxing than knowing that at the end of the day, you can kick back and relax with great food with Italianni’s. Just when you think itcan’t get any better than this, Italianni’s is extending their September WINESday promo until October but with a twist: your half off on wine is now available all day, everyday including weekends! You can choose over the featured wines including Frontera Sauvignon and Frontera Chardonnay, with the half off price of Php115 from the original price of PHP230 per glass and Php550 from the original Php1,100 per bottle. With prices like these, you can even pair it pasta dishes like Spaghetti and Meatballsor Chicken Italianni’s and steaks like T-Bone end your day in Italian perfection!

Take advantage of this promo now for all Italianni’s Manila stores. Not available for Cebu, CDO, and Davao branches.

Furniture shopping made easy

Busy , busy , busy bee; that’s what we mommies are. We look for ways to make our everyday things easy. We pay on line and shop on line. We need do thing in just a click of a button and I’m happy to share to you that even shopping for furniture are as easy as 1-2-3.

Now, furniture shopping is easier than ever! Thanks to www.mandauefoam.ph, a lovely couch, a bed, or a dining set for your home is just a click away.

On your computer or any mobile device, you can shop all your furniture needs anytime, anywhere.

Simply visit www.mandauefoam.ph to get access to a wide range of beautifully-designed furniture products available at different price points. In just a few minutes, you can compare items, check product reviews, and purchase the furniture piece with great ease.

7 Things You Should Know About Sunscreen Protection

They say that the best way to protect our skin is thru the use of sunscreen. When you think you already know the ins and outs of sunscreen – here come new findings and information on what it really does to your skin, why you should use it, and when you need it most. Apart from the universal knowledge on SPF numbers, there is more than meets the eye about the sun and its effects that you should consider before choosing your next sunscreen product.

Read up on the 7 things that will change how you view, choose,and use your sunscreen product.

GANDIVA ARCHERY: HITTING THE RIGHT TARGETS

Archery, one the classic sport there is in the history. Royalties enjoy this and now we can too.

Paseo Verde Construction In Full Swing

The construction of LEED Inc.’s first project, Paseo Verde in Real, remains on track as construction goes full-swing to complete the first tower of the 1.1-hectare mid-rise condominium project.

The first tower is targeted to be completed by the end of 2015, with turnover of units happening as early as the fourth quarter of 2015. Paseo Verde is expected to be a much-awaited landmark in Las Piñas, it will be the first, fully-integrated green community to rise in the area. It is located along Real St., Pulang Lupa Uno in Las Piñas City.

Paseo Verde boasts to set a green standard of living for its owners through its efficient, eco-friendly features – amenities that focus on green architecture and puts emphasis to the company’s three environment focus: Climate change, the Clean Air Act, and the safety and health of its residents.

The Elegance of Gaggenau.

 

With its lavish LED lighting concept and perfected details, the new Gaggenau Vario cooling 400 series offers all the benefits of modern storage technology. The 14 cooling appliances in the first modular system of fully integrated built-in appliances introduced in 2007 can be combined in countless ways to create a stylish cooling wall. Illuminated by LED lighting, their stainless-steel interiors, designed for optimum use of space, are bright and practical.

 

Precision-crafted select materials guarantee the longevity of the appliances.

The quietest in their class, practically all models are rated in energy efficiency class A+ or A++. The new series has been available since October 2013.

As the epitome of exclusive culinary culture and sophisticated lifestyle, Gaggenau constantly focuses on professional standards. And the Vario cooling 400 series now takes the company’s cooling culture a step further. The refrigerators, freezers, fridge-freezer combinations and wine climate cabinets are equipped with precisely controlled climate zones to create the ideal conditions for fresh and frozen produce, preserving the freshness of delicate food items, and for storing fine wines.

 

 The interiors of all appliances are entirely clad in stainless steel. The material is hygienic, and in combination with oxygen, also neutralizes odors. LED light pillars supply bright lighting; they are particularly economical and generate no heat at all.

The shelves in hardened safety glass can be manually and some motor-adjusted, even when fully loaded. The drawers are fully extendable. All appliances in the series are equipped with No-Frost technology, thus dispensing with the tiresome chore of defrosting and preventing ice forming on frozen produce. Ultra convenience is offered by the refrigerators with an integrated fresh cooling zone close to 0 °C, which keep seven delicate food items fresh for twice as long as in traditional cooling systems.

 In addition to the exclusive LED lighting, the Vario cooling 400 series offers further assets, like its exceptionally durable aluminum door racks which are machined with millimeter precision and fitted by hand. The bottom door rack in the RB/RY 492 fridge-freezer combination, for instance, has a loadbearing volume up to 25 kg. Heavy-duty hinges allow a door opening angle of 115 degrees for convenient access to the interior. They also ensure that heavy furniture fronts are reliably secured for decades of service. The appliances can be customized with door fronts in stainless-steel or aluminum as a special accessory. At a height of 213.4 cm the fully integrated appliances in the series can be built in with doors hinged on the right or left. With its professional cooling and storage technology and iconic design, the Gaggenau Vario cooling 400 series sets new standards in function and beauty.

 The Vario freezers RF 471/461/411 and RF 463/461 in the 400 series.  A large 4-star freezer compartment with LED lighting offers all the latest freezing convenience. A feature of all appliances, the integrated ice maker with a fixed water inlet connection produces a daily supply of fresh ice, and can store up to 4 kg.

 The five appliances can be selected in widths of 45.7 cm, 61 cm and 76.2 cm, and a net volume of 222 to 421 litres. They are all rated in energy efficiency class A+. Accessed on the interior, the ice makers on models RF 471/461/411 produce a maximum of 1.4 kg of ice daily and store up to 4 kg. Models RF 463/461 is fitted with a dispenser for ice and water. Matching the Vario cooktops 400 series they are fitted with a 3 mm stainless steel frame. Glasses and large jugs can be conveniently filled with ice cubes, crushed ice or chilled water while the freezer door is closed. The ice maker can produce around 1.9 kg of ice per day and stores a maximum of 3 kg.

 The Vario fridge-freezer combinations RB 492/RY 492 and RB 472 in the 400 series.

These fridge-freezer combinations offer a high standard of functionality. Conventional cooling takes place on top, with a separate spacious 4-star freezer drawer that can be fully extended on the bottom. The exclusively fitted stainless steel interiors are brightly and lavishly illuminated by LED surface luminaires.

The 91.4 cm wide RB 492, also available as a double-door model RY 492, has an ample net volume of 532 litres; the more compact 76.2 cm wide model RB 472 holds 438 litres. Both large appliances are rated in energy efficiency class A+, while the RB 472 achieves an A++ rating. The appliances’ cooling compartment has an electronic temperature control from +2 °C to +8 °C. The temperature in the fresh cooling zone can be set up to 3 °C lower. Meat, sausage and cheese can thus be kept fresh for nearly twice as long. The practical and spacious 4-star freezer drawer with a net volume of 146 litres on the wider appliances, and 119 litres on model RB 472 supply temperatures of –14 °C to –25 °C. Additional convenience is provided by a fully extendable drawer inside. The integrated ice maker with a fixed water inlet connection produces around 1.7 kg of ice per day and stores a maximum of 3 kg. Enhancing their flexibility fridge-freezer combinations RB/RY 492 are equipped with one asymmetrically divided glass shelf, while another is motorized and can be effortlessly adjusted by a sensor button integrated on the LED light pillars even when fully loaded.

 

Vario wine climate cabinets RW 464/414 in the 400 series.

 Offering conditions akin to that of a wine cellar these exclusive wine cabinets provide professional storage facilities in a domestic setting. They feature two separately regulated climate zones in which temperatures are precision-controlled and humidity can be regulated. The stainless steel interior with LED lighting and exclusive fittings, not to mention virtually vibration-free operation, ensures perfect wine enjoyment at home.

 With widths of 45.7 cm and 61 cm, and doors hinged on the right or left, the wine climate cabinets can be fully integrated or fitted with a glass door. Both wine climate cabinets are rated in energy efficiency class B. The two separate climate zones are precision-controlled for temperatures of +5 °C to +20 °C which are reliably maintained at a constant level. Humidity levels can be controlled individually. The ventilation system allows air to circulate once it has passed through an antibacterial active carbon filter which absorbs and locks in odor particles. The appliance interior thus always remains odour-free. A glass door with UV protection prevents undesirable aromas caused by exposure to daylight. Thanks to the cushioned compressor suspension, wines are stored virtually free of any vibrations.

 Up to 99 standard bottles, including even magnum-size bottles can be accommodated.

The ten fully extendable aluminum bottle trays with rounded beech rods protect fragile wine labels. Integrated LED lighting ensures bright interiors, and can be switched on or off in the various zones, either separately or for all zones. Both climate zones also feature a presentation light for showcasing fine wines.

 Appropriate special accessories are available for professional storage of open bottles and decanters. Perfectly chambréd wine can therefore be served at any time.

 Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history that goes back over more than 330 years, has revolutionized the domestic kitchen over and over again with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with flagship showrooms in major cities around the world. In 2012, Gaggenau reached a turnover of more than 180 million euros.

 The difference is Gaggenau.

Your dream car is just a tap away! Do it the Carmudi Way

Leading car classified Carmudi has rolled out its global app for Android devices in the Philippines. Carmudi, the world’s fastest growing online car classified, is all set to change the experience of shopping for car enthusiasts in the Philippines. The online car classifieds has officially launched its mobile application which will allow users to browse thousands of cars on the go. Hosting over 20,000 vehicles online, Carmudi’s app will give users an excellent experience of buying cars while on the move, thus allowing them the same sense of ease and comfort out and about as they would experience in front of their PCs at home.

The app is available to Android users in 20 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. For the convenience of customers, Carmudi has made the app available in 9 different languages.

The app features the same usability and filter functions as its computer counterpart www.carmudi.com.ph. Customers can filter searches by any means that they wish, from brand to model and year to price. Users can also share listings on various social platforms to gain opinions from friends and family if they are unsure. In addition, the Carmudi app allows for favoriting of listings so that they get instant notifications on their favorite rides.

LG, Nestle bring an irresistibly ‘ever cool’ temptation

Home technology champion LG Electronics is giving Filipinos more reason to enjoy their favorite cool dessert—ice cream!

For every purchase of LG Ever Cool Single Door refrigerator at selected Metro Manila dealers, consumers will get a voucher for a free 800 ml tub of NESTLÉ’s latest treat, NESTLÉ Temptations Flavors of the World Dutch Speculoos ice cream, which they could redeem on selected Mercury Drugstore branches. Promo will run from July 14 until August 15.

I Beating office stress with coconut water

They stress is the root of all evil, that is the diseases and too much work can cause stress and major health problemsi ncluding heart disease, depression, headaches, diabetes, and obesity.

Unfortunately, we exacerbate the issue because we tend to eat unhealthyfoodduring stressful moments at work. Unhealthy snacks arealways the top of mind choice because they are always within reach and provide immediate comfort due to the high salt or sugar content. Although they are convenient, eating these types of food can cause more stress than relief in the long run.

The high sodium content with junk and fast food is your ultimate enemy. Althoughtheymay seem nutrient packed, the high sodium content hinders your body from absorbing these nutrients. So what to do? If not junk and fast food, what do you do to keep yourself awake, alive, and sane during crunch time?

Start your day at the office with coconut water. It’s a smart tactic to keep you cool and collected. Without proper hydration, you’ll get hungry and flustered. Coconut water is a natural elixir, with simple carbohydrates and electrolytes, with less natural sugar compared to other drinks. Also, it contains no fat and is low in calories, and the taste is refreshing.

AQUABEST UNVEILS TECHNOLOGICAL QUARTET

Aquabest the country’s premier water refilling franchise is set to revolutionize the way Filipino’s  experience drinking water as it launches its four exclusive water treatment technologies.

Utilizing its new technologies the company will enable the company’s 700 store network to produce  Granderized water a type of water that is not only clean but also healthy. The company utilizes four unique technologies Grander, Tanwing, Nanogen, and Reverse Osmosis; that alters the very nature of water to make it better.

Tanwing Technology and Reverse Osmosis are filtration technologies that help eliminate practically all contaminants in the water making them safe and clean. Tanwing works by utilizing two wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation to help eliminate all biological contaminants. At the same time, reverse osmosis filters water at the nanometer level far smaller than a strand of hair to ensure that all impurities are filtered out.

Stay Stylish and Comfortable in the Rain with Crocs

Rain, rain go away; I want to be chic and stylish and that I can't do if you're here. But it seems rain can't dampen my stylish spirit.

Staying chic and fabulous during the rainy season can be a challenge, but not impossible to overcome. Dressing up doesn’t have to be a drag on dark days; in fact, with just a few tips and tricks, you can still strut your stuff and look marvelous even on the gloomiest days.

Brighten it up. Your outfits, by no means, should match the gloomy weather outside. Invest in pieces that perk up any dark day and you will instantly feel confident and fabulous. Wearing something bright also makes everyone around you perk up as well.

Keep a stylish umbrella with you always.Gone are the days when carrying around an umbrella felt like fashion suicide. Today, with so many cute designs to choose from, umbrellas can actually be a great complement to your outfit.

Layer it. It’s no secret that the weather can quickly change at this time of the year and layering your clothes make for maximum versatility. A stylish scarf can keep you warm and can even protect you from a sudden downpour. Wearing tights is also a good idea, especially if you’re wearing a dress, and can easily be removed if the weather gets too hot. Investing in a good coat that is both stylish and weather resistantis also a good idea; it’s best to avoid leather and suede when looking for a coat.

Invest in good footwear. Choose shoes that can withstand the rain: one that is durable and can be worn even during floods. Don’t let the rain dampen your shoe game and choose from the many designs by the world’s favorite comfort shoe brand, Crocs.

 

Beachline Boat Slip On Men_Smoke White Pearl

LG amps up hygiene offers with new washers

Hygiene has been given critical importance in today’s age when communicable diseases are on the rise and have become primary concerns. From the food they eat to the things they use, consumers are now becoming more and more health-conscious. Even clothing hygiene is given premium nowadays especially since clothes can harbor harmful microorganisms which can be transmitted to others when the clothes are reused. 

In response to this, global technology leader LG Electronics introduces its latest line of washing machines which offer the ultimate cleaning performance and improved hygiene benefits with its newest powerful heaters.

With the top loader’s high performance heaters equipped inside a fully-stainless steel tub, warm washing of up to 60 degrees Celsius becomes possible, effectively cleaning and ensuring total clothing hygiene care.

The Recipe For Great Hair

  What makes a good rebond the best? Is it in the technique used by your hair stylist? Is it the salon you go for your regular sessions? Is it in brands used?

It’s really a little of all those and more. The best rebonds are made from the delicate and meticulous choosing of the people behind your chosen rebond. In contrast, there are many low-priced or cheap unregistered China-made rebonding products flooding the market whose quality is questionable and can leave the hair damaged and unhealthy.

Fun with Philip and the FunKicks

Lifestyle is simply a life lived in style. There are many styles, choices and preferences. Philip Abadicio wants to make sure that we all have fun while living our different lifestyles in his latest TV show, “Fun with Philip,” on GMA News TV every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. starting this August 2014.

He was meant to be a lifestyler. After finishing college in U.P.Diliman, Philip and his pals setup Wild Life, a clothing store catering to cool high school and college kids. They used the heartthrobs and sweethearts of the top schools and this marketing strategy gave them sales beyond their expectations. The lifestyle editor of the Manila Times took notice of Wild Life and invited Philip to be a contributor.

WeChat and FHM: Helping men make the most out of mobile

What turns women on? Is it a keen sense of style? A good head on one’s shoulders?

Perhaps the perfect blend of charm and wit…

When it comes to preference, most ladies are into the kind of gentlemen who can talk about something new and interesting. And living in the modern times grants men access to breakthroughs that help them look suave and irresistibly dashing. This is where WeChat comes in. With features that bring socializing to the next level, WeChat helps the modern male adapt to the latest trends while giving a platform that makes mobile conversations both easy and fun.

Women can’t resist a good conversation

With things going mobile, keeping women interested is now just a swipe away. Impress your woman with a sticker or two or show her the many features that make WeChat the fastest growing social mobile app in the country. Instead of just sending a plain text, use WeChat’s Video Call feature and flash a winning smile. WeChat also has Moments, a feature that lets people share updates on what’s new, what’s hip, and what’s going on in their lives.

For networking purposes, WeChat’s Friend Radar gives an easy one-swipe access to knowing who of the ladies around your area is up for a lovely chat. Speaking of chats, WeChat also has a Group Chat feature that lets people converse with their peers through mobile means. With these tools at hand, any modern male is sure to catch the fancy of a fine female specimen.

R3Run For Sustainability Fun Run

This August 10, 2014, the Company will launch its most aggressive green campaign in a form of a fun run activity. The Run for Sustainability, or dubbed as R3RUN (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle Run) is designed to inspire environmental action among Filipino consumers and raise awareness on climate change. It also aims to educate consumers on the importance of green-labeled products and how patronizing them could help in a way to protect our planet.

ZAP away dengue-carrying mosquitoes this summer

Summer fun is just around the corner as classes wrap-up and both kids and parents look forward to the school holidays. This means trips to the beach, vacations in the provinces, or simply just more days playing outdoors to enjoy the carefree season.  There’s one risk, however, that we should look out for this summer: dengue-carrying mosquitoes. We should take steps to prevent a potentially fatal dengue infection from ruining summer for us and our loved ones.

Dengue is already a year-round disease in the Philippines. And in the summer, we tend to spend more time outdoors, wear thinner clothing, and expose more skin because of the heat. This makes us an easier target for dengue-carrying mosquitoes that bite during the day (mosquito species A. albopictus) and during the night (A. aegypti).  Both of these species of dengue-carrying mosquitoes are present outdoors and indoors, increasing the risk of dengue infection for everyone.

To have a dengue-free summer, especially for the kids, here are a few reminders on prevention:

OWN A HOME IN 5 EASY STEPS AT AVIDA’S HOMEPOSSIBLE EVENT

Avida Land makes home-buying easy and stress-free with HOMEPOSSIBLE: SIMPLIFIED, a one-day event that lets you own your dream home in the simplest way possible.

On Saturday, March 29, visit any of the following HOMEPOSSIBLE sites: Avida Showroom Glorietta (2nd Floor, Glorietta 4 Makati), Avida Towers Centera (EDSA Mandaluyong), Diversion 21 Hotel (Iloilo), and Avida Towers Riala Project Pavilion (Cebu).

Happy Anniversary Lazada

  Lazada Philippines, the number one retail e-Commerce site in Philippines, announced today that March26, 2014 marks the company’s second year anniversary of its founding. To celebrate its second anniversary, Lazada Philippines is giving social media fans an opportunity to participate and win in the Facebook Wish & Win Contest. Fans are simply required to RSVP to the event, wish Lazada a Happy Birthday on the event timeline, and express their love for Lazada in no more than 25 words from now until 26th March 2014.

Merrell kicks in Summer with Out. Perform. Campaign

Merrell is the leading outdoor performance brand that empowers people to challenge themselves in the great outdoors -  to go outside and not settle for a life on the sidelines, to achieve and out perform.  To conquer the outdoors, Merrell recently launched its Out. Perform campaign with its AllOut collection for an even more exciting outdoor experience

AllOut Collection

Taking learnings from minimalism, Merrell designs light and fast hiking and trail running shoes for Spring 2014. The new AllOut Collection features a flexible underfoot wrap that mobilizes the arch.  This unique design activates the body’s most natural form by creating continuous ground contact for increased mobility and efficiency. Core performance hiking and backpacking shoes are athletic in build but packed with Merrell’s tried and true performance technologies to meet the needs of modern day trail blazers.

“Consumers are seeking natural motion options that offer more protection underfoot without inhibiting movement,” said Shaun Bohnsack, Outside Athletic product line developer at Merrell. “We believe the best way to optimize performance is to allow the feet and body to move naturally. In the design of AllOut we are able to strike the perfect balance of natural movement and the necessary protection underfoot.”

Zumba and Pure Jus: You're Way to Health

Zumba has recently been the active way to weight loss and health. Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez during the 1990s.Zumba involves dance and aerobic elements. Zumba's choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo and martial arts. Squats and lunges are also included. And what better way to finish  my Zumba sessions but by having my Pure Jus.

Pure Jus will hold a Zumbathon on Apri 1, 2015

Registration: 5:00 pm

Party Starts  : 6:00 pm

Venue : Amber Ultra Lounge, Fort Entertainment Cener, 5th Ave. cor 26th St. Global City, Taguig

Here’s how to Join:

1.) Pre-order 6 Pure-Jus Regular Blends from March 13, up until March 30, 2014.

Orders can be placed by sending an SMS to 0917-8086781. (all orders are subject to availability of flavors)

Yamaha's Lend A Hand Project

It was a great day for fans and supporter of Valentino Rossi. Not he is a champion in the field of sports but he is also a champion in the hearts of the Yolanda Victims. It was a rare opportunity for a person like me to be able to get a glimpse of Valentino Rossi in person.  Seeing a champion like Valentino Rossi who  takes time to help people that’s not his countrymen is a thing worth  more than a thousand yell . Valentino de Rossi was brought here last February 23, 2014 though YAMAHA’s Lend a Hand Projet.This charity effort aims to raise funds to help the victims of those affected by Typhoon Yolanda. 

Lazada Monday With MasterCard

One week after the launch of its mobile application for iPhone and iPad, Lazada launched its ‘Lifestyle Monday With Mastercard’ promotion with MasterCard Philippines today. Through this promotion, MasterCard cardholders in the Philippines will enjoy a 10% additional discount when they shop from the Lifestyle and Fashion categories of Lazada on Mondays. This discount will be reflected upon checkout and upon entering the credit card details of the cardholder.

Celebrate Good Fortune With Lazada

According to Chinese astrology, 2014 is the Year of the Wooden Horse. That Chinese Zodiac is believed to be a positive and strong-willed character. This Year of the Wooden Horse is perfect for purchasing that item you have been eyeing at Lazada Philippines! And you are in luck! The nation’s biggest online shopping mall is currently holding a big Chinese New Year Sale until February 3, 2014!

Start the New Year with a Detox

What better way to start the year than through a detox that will cleanse away the old and bring in the new and healthy you for 2014. ECHOyoga Shala recently opened its doors at their new space at Kalayaan Avenue, behind Rockwell in Makati City. Scheduled are a number of workshops this January, one of which is a whole day COMMUNITY DETOX on January 18. With pranayama or breath work, yoga practice, meditation and talks, the whole day is set to allow everyone to release not only physical toxins, but emotional and mental baggage as well. With a cleansing fast of juices and fresh salad through a partnership with Juju Cleanse, ECHOyoga Shala’s Community Detox is meant to prepare you for 2014. Sessions for forward mapping the year are also included. To be led by senior certified yoga teachers Jeannie Javelosa, Marilen Elizalde and Anne Contreras, the day promises not only an enlivening physical practice, but integrates the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of yoga as well.

Catch early bird fees at PhP 3,500 by January 14. 

Yoga Back Care Workshop

ECHOyoga Shala offers a yoga therapy workshop focused on the spine and lower back pain. YOGA BACK CARE will be run by Anne Contreras on January 25, Saturday from 4-6 p.m. The one-off workshop is especially designed for those suffering from scoliosis and lower-back stiffness and pain. The workshop aims to educate the student in the use of daily regimen of self-care that acts to manage and ultimately prevent the reoccurrence of back pain through healthy postural and movement patterns.

Anne Contreras has been involved in a yoga practice since 1995. She is trained in Ashtanga Vinyasa and Iyengar yoga in Indonesia, Thailand, and the US, and is a certified teacher. Her teaching style incorporates her knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as her decade long Vipassana meditation practice. She has a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Sofia University (formerly the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology) in Palo Alto, California, USA. She shares her counseling experience at ECHOyoga Shala where she also teaches classes and offers counseling for individuals, couples, families, and children by appointment.

ECHOyoga Shala is located at the 3rd Floor, Steps Dance Building, 8465 Kalayaan Avenue (behind Rockwell), Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. Check http://echoyoga.echostore.ph or SMS 0906-5063948, facebook: ECHOyogaShala.