Welcome to Cocoon Boutique Hotel - the Philippine’s first truly-Green Hotel in Quezon City.

COCOON…A warm nesting place that is -

•  Modern yet Classic

• Tranquil yet steps from vibrant entertainment

• Environmentally Responsible, yet Luxuriously Carefree

• Global yet truly Filipino

We open our doors to our pioneering guests who share our commitment for environmentally sustainable luxury.

With each stay and use of the deluxe amenities at Cocoon, our guests are able to take part in an initiative to be environmentally responsible and make a positive contribution to the community.

We redefine the pleasure of sleep and bath experience. And we strive to establish sustainable relationships with our guests through sincere, warm, and nurturing service befitting a genuine Boutique Hotel

Cocoon Boutique Hotel is resolute in its commitment to all its stakeholders.

For its guests - Elegant, stylish and intimate facilities with complete five-star amenities from a genuine boutique hotel with superior guest services

For its staff – Extensive training and a work environment providing a sense of belonging and ownership that will manifest in ‘that special personal connection’ with all the guests.

For the community - A determined effort to give significant contributions to save the environment with the goal of being LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. In addition, a venue for community-immersion of youth with disability at the hotel’s back-of-the-house operations.

Cocoon Boutique Hotel – where Luxury is Responsible.

Why Cocoon?
It was Mother Nature herself who set the standard in luxurious homes—a cocoon. A sanctuary that covers you in softness. A home, which though temporary, envelopes you in warmth. A nesting place where you can safely let nature take its course and you come out renewed and invigorated.

It is luxury that is relaxing and serene, rather than decadent and indulgent. It is pleasure that is refined and subdued, rather than opulent.

At Cocoon Boutique Hotel, we took our cue from Mother Nature herself and created our own standard of green luxury. Pleasurable serenity is replicated in the sleep and bath experience we offer our guests. Metamorphosis is made possible with in-hotel facilities where the body is refreshed (aesthetic clinic), rejuvenated (spa & salon), and nourished (specialty restaurants). And warmth and sunshine are mirrored in the smiles of our staff and their discreet way of attending to your every need.

This is luxury the way Mother Nature would have intended it.

Our Story
Caring for and nurturing the environment is at heart of everything we do at Cocoon. From our amenities, to our cooling systems, to our décor, sustainability is built into every detail of our structure. We strive to provide the ultimate in comfort to our guests, with the least impact on the earth and her delicate eco-system.

Owners Atty. Boy and Gigi Vinzon believe in doing business based on the simple axiom of giving and offering the highest standards of luxury without taking anything away from the environment.

Their pioneering instinct foresees a growing trend around the world where travelers will expect and demand that their choice accommodations are luxurious yet sustainable

For moms like having a smartphone makes life a lot easier, especially when managing things in the house but of course it's only quite a handful of apps that I am using what matters most is the hours that I can use my phone for communicating.  A few weeks ago Huawei launched two of their newest products to the public, the Ascend D1 quad XL and Ascend G600, which was held at SM Annex North EDSA. 

The Ascend D1 quad XL and Ascend G600 aims to provide more functionality and longer battery life for people, like me, who expect more from their powerful device, at affordable prices.  Even though I don't use much of the apps present in the phone.


Johnson Ma, Country Manager of Huawei Device Philippines shared that “Huawei Device strives to combine what we know people want in a smartphone with our experience in delivering against those expectations. As part of our Ascend series of best-in-class smartphones, the Ascend D1 quad XL and Ascend G600 allow consumers to experience speed, long battery life and exceptional mobile entertainment in a high-quality, lightweight package. In addition, our more than two decades of experience has allowed us to optimize the Ascend smartphones’ network search algorithm and its base station auto-search technology, improving the speed of the phone’s signal detection to further extend battery life.”

Huawei Ascend D1 quad XL is built with great performance, incredible battery life, stunning designed and crafted, a performance dynamo, combines good looks and performance with an exceptional audio visual experience. Combined with its ultra-powerful 2600mAh battery, it brings an impressive 15 hours of talk time and 500 hours of standby time. The Ascend D1 quad XL keeps you on-the-go with 30% more battery power than the industry average by adjusting power consumption according to usage needs.

Powered by Huawei’s HiSilicon HI3620 quad-core 1.4GHz processor, the Ascend D1 quad XL offers a mobile cinematic experience like no other, with its high-definition 4.5-inch, 1280 x 720 Toshiba screen providing crystal clear images even under direct sunlight. The Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL is a feast for all the senses, with Dolby® Mobile 3.0 Plus sound enhancement and Audience earSmart™ voice processor for a superb audio experience.


Providing what everyone demands from today’s smartphones and more, the Huawei Ascend D1 quad XL certainly exceeds expectations.

Huawei Ascend G600 a.k.a. Honor 2, builds on the success of Huawei Honor that offered three days battery life on a single charge, the more the better. Offering more visual clarity, more speed, and more power, this mid-range Ascend brings Honor to the next level.


The HUAWEI Ascend G600 provides more of the features that improve peoples’ mobile phone experiences, everyday. The mega 4.5-inch IPS qHD LCD screen with 960 x 540 pixel resolution brings unsurpassed visual clarity. Powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU with industry-leading 1930mAh Li-Polymer battery, the Huawei Ascend G600 can be fully charged in four hours, powered on in five seconds, and with Huawei’s power saving technology, provides more than 15 days of standby time.

SPECIFICATIONS

Huawei Ascend D1 quad XL

• OS: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• Display: 4.5-inch IPS + HD (1280 x 720) auto roatte (G-sensor) touchscreen
• Processor: Quad core 1.4GHz Huawei HiSilicon processors
• Memory: 1GB RAM + 8GB ROM +upto 32GB via microSD
• Multimedia: Dolby Mobile and Dolby Digital Plus, earSmart Voice Processor, Dual Mic noise reduction
• Camera: 8MP Back Sensor Illumination (BSI) rear facing camera with autofocus, Flash LED and High Dynamic Range effect optimization + 1.3MP camera front-facing camera + 1080p video recording and playback
• Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0
• GPS: GPS, AGPS, GLONASS
• Battery: 2600mAh
• Size: 129.9mm x 64.9mm x 11.5mm
• Weight: About 145g (including battery)
• SRP PhP18,990

Huawei Ascend G600

• OS: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• Display: 4.5-inch IPS + qHD (960 x 540) + 16M colors, Corning Gorilla Glass protection
• Processor: Dual core 1.2GHz Qualcomm MSM8225-0-AA processor
• Memory: 4GB ROM + 768MB RAM +upto 32GB via microSD
• Multimedia: DTS Surround Sound
• Huawei Apps: All Backup, Security Guard
• Camera: 8MP Back Sensor Illumination (BSI) rear-facing camera with autofocus, Flash LED and High Dynamic Range effect optimization, 0.3MP front-facing camera
• Connectivity: DLNA, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0
• Battery: 1930mAh
• Size: 134mm x 67.5mm x 10.5mm
• Weight: About 145g (including battery)
• SRP P 13,990

Well my husband got inspired before this Christmas Day and was able to create a very nice doodle of Christmas greeting Design and around it was the companies, brands, and PR agencies that we've worked with the whole year.  These companies, PR, and brands have indeed made our year blessed and merry.  

As my blog grew more, more companies and brands are also being read on this blog and I'm very thankful that me and my blog is or has been part of these companies.  For this I am very thankful to individuals and groups who have invited me and become part of every events and launching of different brands and products.

Today, as we celebrate the birth of Christ I am extending my warmest THANK YOU and my greeting of MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.  Looking forward for another fruitful and blessed year to come!

I'm a fan of Okay Ka Fairy Ko the TV series and seeing the story continues and goes on not only from my generation but to the present generation gives me the feel of endless youth.  A feeling of remaking my childhood fantasy about fairies.  The story of Enteng Kabisote has indeed transcend through different generation.

Year 2010, the story of Enteng Kabisote made a tremendous leap not only in its story but as well as the history of box-office hit, its a runaway lead.  The crossover with the story of Agimat made a good impact to the viewers and became curious about it.  Thus, making that entry for the MMFF a well loved movie for the kids and kids-at-heart.

So this year, two of the biggest names in the movie industry joined forces once again to bring a box-office movie for the moviegoers but this time with a plus one hit maker as well and making three of the box-office hit maker in just one grandest movie.  Three of the renowned artist in the movie industry packed in one extra special movie not only for the kids but for all ages, Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako.

This is their entry for this year's MMFF, a fantasy filled with adventure and moral lessons portrayed and played by great actors and actresses.

Aside from the team up of the three big giants artists of the movie industry, producers also did joined forces namely, Imus Productions, OctoArts Films, M-Zet Tv, APT Entertainment and GMA Films not only to lord over the tills but to bring cheers, goodwill and love as it once again espouses family values, adventure, fun and magical fantasy.

Bosing Vic during the Blogger's Night

Director Tony Y. Reyes, who has helmed all the "Enteng Kabisote" series in the recent MMFF past, says that the challenge to outdo the last one is always the hardest.   According to him "in 2012, Sen Bong and Bossing Vic already teamed up and it broke all box-office records.  This time around, how do we top that? That's when the name of Ms. Judy Ann Santos came in.  We now have not just one, not two, but three box-office giants in one movie."

This brings big budget, great and spectacular places in the Northern part of the Philippines, dedicated sound stages, and CGI effects done abroad, thus making the movie grand in every aspect as the five production companies backed this one great project.

The screenplay was done by Ms. Bibeth Orteza and Jermyn Aven Jacob.  Not to spoil more of the details about the movie, the story begins with the establishment of the the three different worlds, bound to meet for an adventure like no other.

The movie once again is starred by Vic Sotto as Enteng Kabisote, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. as Agimat and Judy Ann Santos as Princess Angelina Kalinisan Orteza.  Together with the heavyweight support casts led by Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, Sam Pinto, Gwen Zamora, Aiza Seguerra, John Lapus, child stars Jillian Ward and Ryzza Mae Dizon, Yassi Pressman, jolo Revilla, Oyo Boy Sotto, Ruby Rodriguez, Amy Perez, Barbie Forteza, Alden Richards, and Anton Revilla.

So this coming December 25 enjoy and be kids again, relive the fantasy in you as you watch the story of  "Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako".

For all fans of David Pomeranz you can have a chance to see sing this holiday season. Here's a press release of what he'll be doing here in Philippines for the rest of the holidays.

Press Release

Every Filipino loves embracing the magic of love, and international multi-platinum singer-songwriter David Pomeranz knows this by heart. This affinity with the Filipino people was highlighted in a string of special Holiday shows billed "The Magic of Christmas,” which kicked off at Casino Filipino Bacolod on Dec. 13. He also performed to multitude of fans at the Casino Filipino branches of Cebu (Dec. 14), Davao (Dec. 15).

He will take the concert tour at the Heritage on Dec. 19, Airport Casino Filipino on Dec. 20, Pavilion on Dec. 21, Iloilo on Dec. 22, Angeles on Dec. 27, Olongapo on Dec. 28 and Tagaytay on Dec. 29.

Regarded as one of the most successful songwriters and recording artists in the international music scene, David’s songs have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and his musical projects have earned him a total of 18 Gold and Platinum records with hits "Got To Believe In Magic" and "King And Queen Of Hearts."

In 1999, he captured the hearts of the Filipinos with the release of the phenomenal single “Born For You,” included in the compilation album "Born For You - His Best and More."

As a loving tribute to his fans, David has a special surprise for fans who will attend his live shows – a special CD You’re The Inspiration which includes some of the most-loved romantic songs interpreted by David. It can be downloaded over atwww.mymusicstore.com.ph.

The songs in the album are All Out Of Love, As Long As He Needs Me, Have I Told You Lately, I’ll Be Over You, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, Now And Forever, The Search Is Over, These Dreams, To Be With You, What Matters Most, and the title track You’re The Inspiration.

In the Philippines, David is being managed by Medianation, alongside Marvin Agustin, Aiza Seguerra.

David is also set to star in a string of shows for February in the Philippines. For more updates follow @medianationinc and like the FB Page www.facebook.com/medianationinc.

HOLIDAYS are doubly fun at Seattle’s Best, when the coffee brand that promises to serve the best coffee to its customers creates special holiday blends to usher in the season of joy.

Seattle’s Best’s holiday coffee treats are rich, lavish and delicious, the perfect accompaniment to days of feasting and celebrations. They are created by Seattle’s Best’s master brewers who have taken special care to harmonize flavors and textures, choosing exciting ingredients to tickle the palate as well as please the eye with visually appetizing concoctions.

This coming 2012 season, Seattle’s Best brings back two popular holiday coffee concoctions and introduces two, new exciting ones.

The hands-down comfort drink of the season, Cookies and Mint, returns to delight holiday revelers once more. A minty, sweet and refreshing treat for this season of glad tidings, Cookies and Mint is a deeply satisfying mix of dark chocolate, mint, and espresso. Topped with Oreo cookies, this smooth espresso is the best conclusion to one’s day at work or at play.

Another favorite from last year, Coffee Hazelnut is a special coffee blend with a kick, bringing a symphony of flavors in a cup of java. The woodsy flavor of hazelnut, laced with white chocolate sauce and coconut, gives espresso a richer, nutty taste, perfect for stimulating the senses.

Caramel Apple is Seattle’s Best’s new, fruity offering for the season, the caffeine equivalent of one of the season’s traditional delights. Espresso is combined with apple syrup and white chocolate sauce, then garnished with caramel sauce, cinnamon powder and whipped cream. It’s a seasonal indulgence worth savoring repeatedly throughout the holidays.

Seattle’s Best also has created a special blend this season for adventurous types. Espresso Jelly is the bold and strong coffee concoction to liven the holidays. A perky combination of coffee jelly and espresso, topped with whipped cream and coffee jelly. A must-try for a season of heightened expectations and promises!

Nobody does coffee like Seattle’s Best, which prides itself in maintaining and delivering excellence in every step of the coffee-making experience. From its carefully selected premium coffee beans and nurtured relationships with coffee farmers, to the finely calibrated roasting process that produces its coffee’s signature smoothness, to every freshly brewed cup, Seattle’s Best thrives on a connoisseurship of coffee unparalleled in the industry. The time and patience it invests in every cup of coffee is unmatched, and is the reason why its coffee is called the “Best.”


Seattle’s Best Coffee’s four holiday drinks along with the rest of its extensive menu of food and other beverages are available at Greenbelt 3, Bonifacio High Street, Valero Street, Makati Medical Center, SM Megamall, Cardinal Santos Hospital, Katipunan, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia, Neo Plaza, Ongpin, NAIA Terminal 3, NAIA Domestic Passenger Terminal, Festival Mall, Greenhills Town Center, Taft Avenue, Market! Market!, One McKinley Place, Caltex SLEX, Ayala Center Cebu and Matalino Street.

I have already featured some of the activities of World Vision here in my blog for this month of December.  I think this will be the last post about the Noche Buena Campaign of World Vision.

From the campaign, now they are down to the culminating activity which was held Malabon.  A great program was held that time and aside from the Noche Buena packages that were given to the sponsored children of World Vision there were also lots of surprises for the kids.  One of the surprises was the presence of the Hi-5.  Hi-5 gave happiness on all the kids during the activity, there were singing, dancing, and some animal look alike that made a loud laugh in the venue.


Maki, my eldest son enjoyed the activity very much and he remembered the show Hi-5 in television I think he was still 3 years old back then. I was delighted that my son was very happy and he enjoyed the moment with Hi-5.  I was even more surprised when he whispered to me that his favorite member of the group was Casey.  I asked him why?  He instantly answered me softly, because of her hair. Casey used to pony her hair, that look her as a kid.



After the moment of laughter and joy, Hi-5 members continue giving happiness by giving the Noche Buena package which was given by generous hearts from the foster parents and other individuals as well who contributed for the cause.  It's something the foster child's family could have together during the Noche Buena or the Christmas Eve.

Kids is the reason to celebrate this Christmas.  There are many ways to send or give happiness, specially to those needy one.

The event end with a smile on every face of the foster child.

I will take this opportunity to thank World Vision for allowing my eldest son be on the event specially to Ms, Bang (Kristine Barangan). Hope to be invited again on their future event.

Australian musical group Hi-5 joins World Vision for its annual Noche Buena gift giving event at the Malabon City Amphitheater on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Hi-5 members Stevie, Casey, Lauren, Tim and Dayen, who are in the Philippines to promote their show ‘Hi-5 Holiday’ on December 15-16 at the SM Mall of Asia Centerstage, will help distribute Noche Buena gift packs to 1,465 sponsored children from World Vision’s Malabon community. Part of the concert’s proceeds will also go to the sponsorship of 50 kids through World Vision.

The popular children’s act, whose television show is aired in various parts of the world, supports many international charities including World Vision. They have toured the Philippines twice, the last one being in 2009 when they visited a World Vision community in Cebu.

“When we left the Philippines three years ago, we’ve just been wanting to go back. We have a genuine soft spot for the Philippines. The World Vision tour [in Cebu] was very special to us. It’s good to know that we are giving back to Filipinos who also given so much to us as a group,” shares Stevie who has been with Hi-5 for six years now.

The group likewise made a video appeal to their fans to donate to World Vision’s relief and rehabilitation efforts in light of the disaster brought about by the recent Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha). World Vision has so far provided relief to at least 2,000 families from Compostela Valley and Agusan del Sur – two of the hardest-hit provinces in Mindanao.

A Noche Buena for every child

Now on its seventh year, World Vision’s Noche Buena campaign hopes to provide a bountiful meal for less-fortunate Filipino families to enjoy on Christmas Eve. For this year, World Vision will distribute Noche Buena packs to 35,000 children from all over the country. With a donation of PhP 1,000 from child sponsors and other generous donors, World Vision is able to provide each family with a Noche Buena pack that consists of ingredients for Spaghetti and fruit salad meals and an assortment of canned goods, coffee, milk and juice.

Photo courtesy of Mommy Myrns

Celebrating our anniversary in a very unusual way, that’s what my husband has always been and perhaps this year’s celebration was really unusual. I’m not a real fun of blues music but hey I like the flow so I just let it be and enjoyed it.

The burger at The Roadhouse Manila Bay

The Roadhouse Manila Bay celebrated their 1st Anniversary last December 15 and as part of their celebration was the launching of the very first album entitled “Pinoy Blues Jam” under Roadhouse Rekords which was also owned by Mr. Ciaran Carruthers. The first risk that Mr. Carruthers took was to have the blues music in just one venue which he did when he officially opened The Roadhouse Manila Bay a year ago. He brought the music and The Roadhouse become a major catalyst in the Manila music scene and encouraged old blues-oriented bands to regroup and new bands to step forward. According to Mr. Carruthers “the blues is everywhere in the Philippines, but you just can’t see it.” Now, it is on the scene and perhaps with this venue more and more bands and blues enthusiasts will be coming at The Roadhouse Manila Bay to experience not only the food but the blues music as well.

Also the Pinoy Blues Jam album was launched during the anniversary and it was produced under Roadhouse Rekords and Gerry Diwa, owner of Sound Weavers Studio and a music veteran who were active in the Manila blues scene since the 90’s.   Here are some of the photo during the launching of the album.







As much as I wanted to stay to celebrate, it’s already late and we need to rest. Perhaps one of these days will be coming back to listen more of the blues music and have a date.

If you want to know their schedules visit their site www.theroadhousemanilabay.com or follow their facebook https://www.facebook.com/theroadhousemanilabay and twitter https://twitter.com/RoadhouseManila account.

Christmas here, there and everywhere. Lots of people are attending Christmas parties of their company, with their relatives, and with friends.

Games, prizes, foods plus raffle, those things made the Christmas party lively.


Yesterday, I attended a somewhat intimate party with the bloggers.  ABS CBN Star Magic staff prepared a special party for the bloggers at the same time it is a suprise birthday celebration for our very good blogger friend FLOW GALINDEZ of angsawariko.com.



IT was a non stop dancing of Gangnam Style, where Ms. Jing Javier of amajingforlife.blogspot.com won as she did a hyper dancing Gangnam style.  Well, she won a singing contest before and now a dancing contest. All I can say to my loving, thoughtful and a good  blogger friend Jing Javier, IKAW NA!


We ended with a big smile and all of us bring home a lot of goodies prepared by ABS CBN Star Magic.

Thank you and more power.

Most of the Filipinos love watching on TV like teleseryes, news, programs and other entertainment shows.  We put all our time just watching TV.  We really follow some shows and we even wait for it until that teleserye airs.


Television is all year round trending, particularly in the Philippines.  We are hooked in the television specially the teleseryes, gives current information from the news and entertain by different shows.  All these are present in just one box of entertainment called television.  I can say that we're hooked if we couldn't miss any of the series.

Well, I can say that "The family that stick together live together." because our family loves to watch the shows in ABS CBN and we really stick to the shows until the end of the series.  It's like a graduation whenever those teleseryes end their shows. 

So, what's my favorite TV Station well... it's none other than the



The opportunity to be heard and to vote for my favorite TV station was brought by the big three blogs of www.lionheartv.net, www.showbiznest.com, and www.starmometer.com. If you want to do the same just head on the link and read the mechanics http://lionheartv.net/2012/11/vote-bloggers-choice-for-their-favorite.html.

Have you ever watch a video how cupcakes are created? Well, I'm sure you would say yes and you have already watched plenty of it in youtube but what I'm going to share here is one of the sweetest cupcakes that is present in the metro. That's according to some food critics who have written opinions and thoughts about this sweetest and flavorful cupcake, the Au's Cakes.

I know you'll be asking the location of their store, unfortunately they don't have any store but only stalls in a Weekend Market in a village in Quezon City. Of course they also accept orders to reach other potential markets.


Few weeks before the Christmas season I was able to visit their stall. It was not the usual stores with fancy displays, you can really see that it was simple and it's a typical home made cupcakes. Of course it is presentable to entice visitors to the buy the cupcakes err I think they are already well known. Who would have thought that one of the sweetest and tasteful cupcake can be found in a place like a weekend market.


Cupcakes have always been an easy target for snacks. Aside from being a bite size it is much a I was able to meet the family behind the cupcakes and thanks to Aldous, who is by the way the son of the owner, Ms. Aurora Su Calubad. Aside from meeting them I get also a chance to ask some questions. One of my question is why stay in one of the stalls of the Sunday market when the taste of the cakes itself is already criticized by food critics and have already been written in some leading newspaper? Well according to them it is much better that way that they don't have to oblige themselves too much of the possible expenditures and besides they are already well known that way.


Another question was why not create a bigger version of their cupcakes? They want to stay it as a cupcake because it won't be the cupcake that made them known if it was created bigger. Perhaps they wanted it that way to seal in the flavor that it should have.

So what can I say about the cupcakes? Well, it's flavorful and sweet indeed, a flavorful cupcake. Among the flavors that I've tasted is the chocolate flavor which is one of my favorite then there goes also the different flavors like the red velvet, banana, and carrots. So just visit them at their stall at the Sunday Market in Philam Village.

This coming weekend better stamp that calendar dated December 15 - 16, 2012.  Happening is one of the biggest bazaars in Quezon City, it's the Santa’s Christmas Bazaar @ La Vista with over 150 participating concessionaires. This is also one of the most awaited bazaars due to the large numbers of shoppers, bulk buyers and after-event sales. It will be at la Vista Clubhouse and Basketball Court, Katipunan, Quezon City from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Furthermore, numerous activities awaits for all bazaar visitors like the hourly raffles and games, free gift wrapping services and a live Santa Claus for the children. So what are you waiting for? Get ready your and have your Christmas shopping list, a big eco bag (for a number of items that you're going to buy), comfortable outfit & shoes,
and of course the most important thing that you should have when in a bazaar - money.  This is a whole day shopping escapade at the Santa’s Christmas Bazaar. Plus, FREE mineral makeup samples, valued at P180 each. All you need to do is;
PRE-REGISTER: Email your full name and mobile number to claudbaron@yahoo.com.
DROP by the Organizer's Booth and claim your FREE samples!

No catch, no need to buy anything. Just pre-register and get the samples for free!!See you there!

Happy Shopping!!!

App development innovator APPLABS DIGITAL STUDIOS, together with SM CYBERZONE and VIP PRODUCTIONS, will be uniting the young and veteran car and gadget enthusiasts and social influencers on DECEMBER 15, 2012, AT SM STA. MESA. The GRAND CAR & GADGET SHOW PARTY is slated to offer a smorgasbord of the coolest and newest gadgets and the best custom modified cars in the Philippines.

AppLabs Digital Studios believes that it’s always better to end the year with a bang, and after celebrating its first successful year, the company ends 2012 on a high note with the launch of CarCrazee. Touted as AppLabs Digital Studios’ flagship application, CARCRAZEE is also the Philippines’ first ever social networking application for car enthusiasts.


The best modified cars on the show will receive top prizes from AppLabs Digital Studios, and three winners from the Wallpaper Design, Best personal Photo and Best Fan Photo contests will take home cash prizes. Meanwhile, Smartphones and other gadgets from sponsors will be given to the raffle winners.

Everyone is invited to become a part of this inaugural event on SAturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at SM Sta. Mesa’s covered Carpark from 10:00am ’til midnight.

This event is presented by Applabs Digital Holdings Inc., SM Cyberzone and SM City Sta. Mesa. *Please visit their event page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/470760366295514/

Filipinos have finally ushered in the most celebrated holiday season of the year, marked by the symphony of lights now adorning Ayala Avenue, Roxas Boulevard and other city thoroughfares, to the aural enticement of Christmas medleys playing everywhere, and to countless one-night only bazaars emerging left and right.

Aside from chillier nights and the visual feast of sparkle and color, with the highly anticipated merriment comes the holiday rush—expect heavy traffic, crowded malls and flea markets. Gift-wrapping counters will eventually look like a war zone, and amid the frenzy in the stores, families will be dazed by the tons of choicest gifts.

“The first and foremost rule is to decide exactly how much money can be safely and logically dispensed for Christmas, and budget accordingly,” said Ed Cobangbang, Xpress Money Country Manager for Business Development in the Philippines. “Doing this one thing will give you peace of mind in the long haul, and will eliminate any post-Christmas regret from ever happening.”

According to Cobangbang, marketing campaigns following the entry of the holiday season usually target overseas-based Filipinos coming home for Christmas or their families who receive remittances.

“A little discipline goes a long way, but ultimately finding presents for their loved ones should be about the joy of giving,” he added. To help Christmas shoppers avoid burning a hole in their pockets this season, the UK-based money transfer brand shares some practical tips.

Shop ahead. Unsurprisingly, the day before Christmas eve is the busiest shopping day in most parts of the world. Many people tend to procrastinate and postpone gift shopping up to the last minute. Remember that the longer you wait, the fewer the selection. By now, you should have already allotted a few days for your shopping tasks.

There is no need to join the Christmas rush. Feel free to shop throughout the year and take advantage of sales promotions all year-round. Not only will you free up your shopping list one by one, you will also avoid unnecessary panic-buying.

Make a list and check it twice. Make sure that you do not forget anyone, however do not feel obligated to give a gift to everyone at the office. Trim the list to include only the people you most care about. Don’t be afraid to set a limit on each person’s gift either. Put a reasonable cap on the amount you are willing to spend.

Credit is good, but you need cash. Stay away from your credit card. Bring only your shopping money so you will not be tempted to overspend. Unless you are purchasing big ticket items, it is always best to pay everything in cash. Credit is great to have and can be an excellent financial tool when used wisely. Arm yourself with the facts, read the fine print, and have a plan in place before you swipe.

Get creative. Why not do it yourself? Never underestimate what your hands can whip up instead of pouring money on something you can actually make. Try to silk screen a funny quote on a shirt, make bracelets, compile a scrapbook.

Not the crafty kind? Be resourceful instead. Recycle old gift wrappers from last Christmas (even newspapers or magazines) and tie a nice big ribbon around it. Inexpensive materials like Japanese paper will also work.

Know where to shop. Tap your suki connections. They are most likely to give you big discounts. Visit Divisoria and similar flea markets especially if you want to buy in bulk to get lower prices.

Go digital. Do not count out online shopping—you might just find a gem! Bazaars do offer great bargains, but most sellers there probably sell their merchandise online. If you hate waiting in line and seeing people run like headless chickens at the malls, online stores just maybe the place to go. Also explore websites for coupon deals or group buying discounts.

Keep the receipts. Aside from helping you stay within budget, keeping receipts will enable you to return defective or low-quality items.

Cash-in your points. Finally, the year-long shopping pays off! Most credit card companies and store memberships allow you to accumulate points as you shop. Some can be converted into gifts; others are as good as cash. Keep an eye out for members-only promotions as well. This is the time of the year when merchants reward their loyal customers.

Xpress Money is a global money transfer brand with a thriving presence in more than 125 countries in 5 continents across 135,000 agent locations across the world. Working towards the goal of Bringing Home Closer to millions of migrants residing away from their homes, Xpress Money has come to be known as the most dependable international money transfer brand. Xpress Money provides its customers a simple, fast & safe way to transfer money anywhere in the world through innovative technology, superior customer service and its extensive worldwide network. For more information, visit www.xpressmoney.com.

There’s no better time than the holiday season to share one’s blessings. This year, Nickelodeon fans will have another Christmas to remember as their favorite channel brings back SHARElebration, Nickelodeon’s most heartwarming holiday event. To be held on December 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall starting at 3 PM, SHARElebration invites Nickelodeon fans to spread the Christmas cheer by giving gifts of new or old toys to the kids of Gawad Kalinga.

Nickelodeon fans can look forward to a day filled with fun, prizes and surprises with SHARElebration’s line-up of exciting activities from stage games, performances, and game booths. Everyone’s favorite Nickelodeon characters will also take part in the festivities to pump up the yuletide mood. Taking part in this eventand securing a spot on Santa’s nice listis easy. Interested fans just have to bring at least one toy, new or old, big or small, that they want to donate.

Through SHARElebration, children will be treated to a Christmas experience that’s more than just a season of merrymaking and gift-giving, but a celebration of kindness and love. SHARElebration also gives them an opportunity to learn the values of sharing and encourages them to be good examples that other kids can follow. Any little help counts this Christmas, so show your support, bring a toy and spread the joy at Nickelodeon’s SHARElebration!

Nickelodeon’s SHARElebration is being presented by Alaska Choco and co-sponsored by Goldilocks Bakeshop, Hasbro, Krim Stix, Selecta Ice Cream, Sunkist, and Superstix. Official venue by SM Mall of Asia. For more information, log on to nick-asia.com/sharelebration or facebook.com/nickasia.

On December 12, 2012, the whole world will witness the music industry’s most outstanding performers as well as the entertainment world’s biggest names come together for the benefit of those who suffered in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Star World brings “12-12-12,” a momentous telethon that features an explosive live concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, to viewers across Asia on Wednesday morning at 8:30 AM, doing its part to make it the most widely distributed live musical event in history. The channel joins other media partners on TV, radio and the Internet to reach 2 billion people worldwide, giving “12-12-12” a widespread distribution on par with huge global media events such as the Superbowl, the Academy Awards and the Grammys.

“12-12-12” features a live concert with a staggering all-star lineup that includes Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who, and Paul McCartney. The concert is presented by Chase Bank, and all proceeds of the event, including ticket sales and donations, will benefit the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which provides money, material and know-how to local organizations that are serving families and individuals in areas that were ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.

Celebrities who will be participating in the event to show their support for the victims of Hurricane Sandy include Steve Buscemi, Jessica Chastain, Chelsea Clinton, Sean Combs, Billy Crystal, Leo DiCaprio, Jimmy Fallon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Karlie Kloss, Seth Meyers, Bobby Moynihan, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Susan Sarandon, Jon Stewart, Kristen Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, and Brian Williams. They will be presenting the program as well as fielding calls for a phone bank that will be set up at the beginning of the live concert. Viewers from all over the world can call in and make donations to Robin Hood Relief Fund to help victims in the tri-state area of the US (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), specifically the coastal areas of Long Island, Queens, Staten Island and New Jersey, recover from the devastating path of Hurricane Sandy.

The concert is being produced by James Dolan, Executive Chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company; John Sykes, President of Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises; and Harvey Weinstein, Co-Founder and Chairman of The Weinstein Company. In a statement, the three producers said, “We are incredibly grateful to the numerous entertainers and celebrities who have graciously donated their time and talent to be a part of this unprecedented fundraising effort. It will be a special and memorable evening televised around the globe to ensure we can raise the most donations possible for victims of Hurricane Sandy.”

In addition to Star World, other partners across all media are helping to broadcast “12-12-12” to reach 2 billion globally and gain as much support for the cause as possible. “12-12-12” will be made available to all 114 million television households in the US and to more than 400 million television households beyond via networks and feeds in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. NBA’s television and online streaming channels will make the concert available to viewers in China. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment will broadcast the concert live on its radio stations across the US, and will also video stream live on iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s digital radio service, and across the websites and Facebook pages of its 850 stations. The concert will be given a live simulcast on Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards in Times Square, New York City and in London and Paris. Meanwhile, YouTube, AOL, Yahoo, Hulu, and other online video service companies will provide live streaming of the concert to their millions of unique users worldwide to ensure an unprecedented distribution.

“We are proud to be able to say that this concert is already setting records, by securing near total distribution around the world. The massive distribution means that the concert will be available to almost anyone on the planet with a television, a radio, a smartphone, tablet, computer or internet connected device,” said event producers Dolan, Sykes and Weinstein.

Star World airs “12-12-12” on December 13, 2012 at 8:30 AM.

Who loves dancing? music? a korean singer?

Here's the good news for all fans of Psy and his Gangnam Style. Yes, Psy is coming here to Manila and he will be here performing on December 20, 2012 for a one night concert.

Psy of Gangnam Style has been trending for quite some time now and I could say that even the little ones love to sing and dance the Gangnam Style. During the press conference one of the bloggers asked why Psy?  And according to Joed Serrano, the initiator of this event, "he is a well-known artist in the music industry, so that's it."

Aside from the much awaited performance of Psy at the MOA, our very own talented artist will also perform on the said concert. "If Korea have Psy, well, so Philippines have Ai Ai, Jose and Wally, Vhong , Anne Curtis and other artist that will perform on that night" Joed said.

The concert will be at the Mall of Asia Concert Ground in order to give way and accommodate more than 15,000 Filipino people who wants to watch the concert.

Part of the proceeds of the said concert will be donated to Ciara Marrie Foundation and for the victim of typhoon Pablo.

Tickets are available through SM tickets outlet amounting to:

• Php5,500.00
• Php3,500.00
• Php1,500.00
• Php   500.00

So better get your tickets early and be there at the MOA Concert Ground and see how the famed Psy lets you dance the Gangnam Style.  Be there on December 20, 2012 at 9pm. Grab your tickets now!

Mommies out there here is another best gift that you can share to your family. I am so excited to attend this kind of event to give me more info about the latest gadget in the metro.

Torque offers an affordable gadget that Filipinos will surely grab and enjoy the features. Love our own, as Filipinos continue patronizing our very own products that gives us pride.

Okay this one is going to be long because of the line of products that TORQUE has introduced.  Though most of the products will be release in 2013 I'll share what I have seen during the media launch of TORQUE.

The Pinoy brand TORQUE, according to them aims to level up the mobile phone landscape for Filipino users and with these they are introducing the new Torque MEDIA Technology.  With this technology applied across its entire product line-up including entry-level models, every Juan can now enjoy “MUSIC-ALL-U-CAN, MOVIES-ALL-U-CAN” features at its finest for as low as P688 only. How? Each Torque MEDIA series phone can have expandable external memory upto 32GB as compared to a mere 2GB of its rivaling foreign brand competitors. To boot, a 3.5mm Headset Jack is at bay for audio enthusiasts who wants nothing but the best of sound quality as they can now plug in their preferred pair of headphones. Another function improved here is Customization. End users can personalize not only their wallpapers or ringtones, but also their message tones & SIM names (since it is dual SIM, it is confusing to just see SIM1 or SIM2) set to each specific operator names. SMS Sent items folder and Video Recording will now be a standard for Torque MEDIA series alongside the camera as this feature is normally not present in other brands’ low tier devices. Torque MEDIA is surely a hit with all Pinoy Audio/Video Enthusiasts. Thus, making communications more affordable and convenient for consumers; and makes it exciting that every Juan will want to have it.

At present, Torque offers its D5, D9, DQ10 TV, DTV20, i18 Fad, 177 Click, and Droidz Flash. All products (Except for DROIDZ Flash) are with dual SIM capability with features that are consumer-focused, plus sold at very affordable price points. As part of the Torque MEDIA lineup, all mobile handsets include an FM radio capability, camera with video recorder, multimedia player, expandable memory up to 32GB and 3.5mm headset included.

D5 and D9 models, dubbed as ‘TRUE MUSIC/MOVIES PHONE’, feature a large 1.8” 65k color display, VGA camera, sent items folder, torchlight, and easy music keys for music/movies lovers’ convenience.

For Text Addicts, who opt to use QWERTY instead of keypad, Torque offers the DQ10 TV. With its Mobile TV, 1.3 megapixel camera, large 2.4” TFT display, plus a 3.5mm headset jack, DQ10 TV suits your entertainment-all-you-want mode. DQ10 TV also features WAP 2.0/ GPRS/ MMS/ STK.

Love a bigger screen for TV viewing? One can check out Torque’s DTV20, which has a large & clear 2.4” 262K QVGA LCD, and 2-megapixel camera. Connectivity is also not a problem with its Bluetooth capability and WAP 2.0/ GPRS/ SMS/ MMS feature.


Touch & Feel. There’s i18 Fad that has 2.8” full touchscreen and i77 Click with 3.2” full touchscreen. Both have dual mode text input, which means users can select between using its virtual QWERTY and virtual 4x3 keypad, Bluetooth, Wireless FM radio, and Mobile TV. Camera is a plus here as i18 Fad sports a 1.3-megapixel camera while i77 Click boasts a 3-megapixel camera. Connectivity features include WAP 2.0/ GPRS/ SMS/ MMS/ STK for i18 Fad while JAVA/ WAP 2.0/ GPRS/ SMS/ MMS/ STK for i77 Click.

Surf, Social Networks, Games? Torque offers the very sought-after Droidz Flash. 7.0” WVGA 800x480 Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch Zoom, Slim form factor, 3-Axis Gyro/Accelerometer matched with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS for a refined interface and easy access that is more engaging and interesting. Running at 1.2 GHz CPU with 4GB ROM and 512 MB RAM, Droidz Flash is your best mate when it comes to functions, power, and connectivity. It is also equipped with dual cameras with 2-megapixel rear camera and VGA front camera. With your Favorite Movies accessible via mini-USB or Micro-SD, plug in your 3.5mm Stereo Headset and enjoy Full-HD 1080p video experience, all movies are now ready for your enjoyment. Connect via Wi-Fi or your preferred 3G USB stick allows you true internet freedom on-the-go.

So what's next? Full understanding of the market always needs something fresh – design and functionality-wise, so Torque proudly embraces Pinoy Pride to the Next! It showcases 2 new models under Torque MEDIA Technology…the Most Affordable E2 & the All-In-1 Capacitive Touch i78 Stream.

E2 fits the consumer who simply wants to enjoy his/her dual roles in life – dual SIM. Its features a large 1.8” 65K color display, multimedia player, FM radio, loud speaker, FM radio with headset, Sent items folder, and Micro-SD up to 32GB. Bluetooth is a plus for those who want to transfer data. All this for just P688!

The All-In-1 i78 Stream comes with a large 4.0” HVGA display, capacitive touchscreen, 320X480 Widget-based UI, and a dual mode text input of QWERTY and keypad. You can use surf the net using the Wi-Fi and be connected using its WAP 2.0/ GPRS/ MMS/ STK. The i78 Stream also includes Mobile TV, Bluetooth, FM radio, and a multimedia player.

Torque’s New DROIDZ Flex Technology for Android now ushers in to provide Faster, More Powerful Yet Affordable Android devices for the demanding Filipino users who wants more out of Android. Such technology will now be implemented on Torque’s new DROIDZ Series such as DROIDZ Sport, DROIDZ Force, DROIDZ Atom, DROIDZ Blast, DROIDZ Motion, DROIDZ Life, DROIDZ Portal & DROIDZ Ultimate.

DROIDZ Force

For the budget-conscious Dual SIM Android lovers, Torque offers the compact DROIDZ Sport and 9.5mm-slim DROIDZ Force with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and runs at 1GHZ CPU. So remarkable here are the screen sizes as DROIDZ Sport features an efficient 3.5” HVGA 480x320 Capacitive Touch Display while DROIDZ Force features a bigger 4.0” WVGA 800x480 Capacitive Touch Display. DROIDZ Sport having 512MB ROM and 256 RAM while Droidz Force using 512 MB ROM and 512 MB RAM. These two models are Dual SIM, 3MP camera, goes with 3.5mm stereo headset, FM radio, multimedia player, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, G-sensor and internet connection via JAVA/EDGE.

Seeking for More Powerful & Faster Processing DROIDZ? Torque answers this market demand with 4 new Dual SIM-Dual Core DROIDZ Smartphones. All the series models run at 1GHz Dual Core CPU with 4GB ROM and 512MB RAM. Its superior interface uses the advanced Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) OS, has Multi-Touch Zoom, 3.5mm stereo headset, FM radio, Micro-USB port, Light/Proximity/Gravity Sensors. Enjoy Global Roaming & Faster Connectivity as the series models support 3.5G HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100MHz at DL 7.2Mbps/UL 5.76Mbps, Quadband GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz. All models support Dual cameras with 8-megapixel rear with LED Flash and VGA front camera. Other features include Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Tethering, GPS and AGPS Support.

DROIDZ Atom

Choose among the newest Large Display Pinoy DROIDZ series: the affordable DROIDZ Atom with 4.0” WVGA 800x480 Capacitive Touch, or the corporate DROIDZ Blast with 4.7” qHD 960x540 Capacitive Touch, or the Note-like DROIDZ Motion with 5.3” qHD 960x540 Capacitive Touch, or the massive DROIDZ Life with 6.0” FWVGA 854x480 Capacitive Touch.

What Torque is more excited to launch is its DROIDZ Portal and DROIDZ Ultimate Tablets. These two models have Call and Text features, JAVA/SMS/MMS capabilities, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Tethering, GPS and AGPS Support, 3.5mm stereo headset jack, Micro-USB port, and Light/Proximity/Gravity Sensors.

DROIDZ Portal runs at 1GHZ Dual Core CPU with 4GB ROM and 512 RAM. With its 7.0” WSVGA 1024x600 Capacitive Touchscreen, and a multi-touch zoom, users will sure to enjoy Droidz Portal’s interface that uses Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). Users will also be delighted with its speed and bandwidth as it uses HSDPA 7.2Mbps/HSUPA 5.76 Mbps and 3.5G HSDPA 850/900/2100MHZ. Droidz Portal also features dual cameras with its rear camera using 8-megapixel with LED Flash while its front uses VGA camera.

DROIDZ Ultimate

DROIDZ Ultimate powered by 1GHZ Dual Core CPU with 8GB ROM, and 1GB RAM, It also uses HSDPA 7.2Mbps/HSUPA 5.76 Mbps and 3.5G HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100MHZ. Enjoy Droidz Ultimate with its Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), 9.7” XGA 1024x768 capacitive Touchscreen, multi-touch zoom, dual cameras with 8-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel for the front camera, plus it has HDMI capability.

Even with these exemplary products, Torque will not stop here and continue its commitment of delivering quality and value for money products for the Filipino consumers. Soon, Torque will introduce its limited edition line dubbed as ‘Inspire’ series. Coming soon!

I told you this would be long!

For the complete price list and information about Torque, visit www.torque.ph.

Another movie that will hit the Christmas day. The Strangers, will be different among the movies this coming December 25.  Another kind of movie with full of extra ordinary feeling with more than goosebumps.

The Strangers focuses on a Family of Five that tries to put aside their differences on the eve of their kids 18th birthday. Fraternal twins Pat (Julia Montes) and Max (Enrique Gil) prepare to go on their annual out of town trip. Accompanied by their parents Roy and Evelyn (played by Johnny Revilla and Cherry Pie Picache, respectively) their grandfather Pete (Jaime Fabregas) and his temporary caretaker Paloma (Janice De Belen) as well as their newly hired driver Toning (Nico Antonio), they set for the far flung town of Murcia.

During the press con, "Ako ang mgbibigay ng kapahamakan sa kanila" according to Nico Antonio, the driver.

Whatever problems they had with each other fade away as they head for Murcia. But their happiness comes to a screeching halt when their van hits an old lady, presumably killing her. Shaken, they get out of the van to see if they can help her-and find that her body has vanished into thin air When night sets in, Toning is attached by a mysterious creature, Roy and Lolo Pete go missing and Evelyn, Pat , Max and Paloma are left stranded in the middle of nowhere.


They eventually find their way to a village, where they are besieged by a series of aswang attacks. Pat finds an ally in one of the villagers, a young man named Dolfo (Enchong Dee). THey  realize the only way to survive is to band together against the aswang terrorizing the village.

Whether or not they will survive is something moviegoers will find out when The Strangers hits theaters as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival on December 25.

The movie is very challenging to all the cast, as well as the directors. Enchong needs to immerse himself as a dirty man, in order to him to portray it properly. "Masaya and Tiring ang paggawa ng movie na'to", according to Enchong.

The Strangers is directed by Lawrence Anthony Fajardo, whose recent work as a director includes Posas - which won Best Film in the Director's Showcase division of this year's Cinemalaya. and again at the Hanoi Film Festival in Vietnam - and Amok, which bagged a whopping 11 nominations for this year's Gawad Urian, as well as the top prize at the Detective Fest in Moscow last April.

The Strangers is produce by Quantum and MJM Productions that will give moviegoers a whole new horror experience by taking into a world where nothing is ever what it seems: the world of The Strangers.

Movie goers who want a different kind of scary/horror movie will definitely watch this movie. A horror movie that will tackles family in different scenario, that will trigger the family that they need to be bonded in times of problem.

Head on December 25, "The Strangers" in theaters near you.