Cold drinks are important! Especially this summer season, the heat and the exhaustion can really dry your lips.  Though there are plenty of coolers and drinks, we need to choose the right drinks.  We, parents, must always think the best for our kids.  Jamba Juice is right one for this summer.  Quenching and healthy at the same time.

Recently, Jamba Juice opened their latest store located at Eastwood. During the opening the sun is really on high and the heat is unbearable for the attendees of the event, we're perspiring, and we're all sweaty.
Gladly, after the blessing, Jamba Juice let their guest taste their delicious and healthy fruit drink. This is a good news indeed to all the people near at Eastwood.  Jamba Juice will definitely mix well with the awesome, fun loving Eastwood crowd because now they need not to go far just to get their hands on their beloved smoothies and snacks. Fans can soon start going wild on their much-loved Strawberries Wild and banana Berry Smoothies or reunite with their perfectly healthy frui and Yogurt Parfait, snacks and more.

Actually, I featured Jamba Juice here in my blog way back 2012 when they opened their branch at The Block - SM North Edsa read here.







My kids love Jamba Juice very much, my son Maki loves Mango-a-go-go while my youngest son, Gelo, likes Banana Berry. Of course my husband's favorite is Strawberries wild, and yours truly love the ACAI Supercharger which is the newest smoothie that I've tasted at Jamba Juice.

ACAI SuperCharger is a seasonal drink it is the combination of acai juice, blueberries, strawberries, soymilk, raspberry, sherbet and Antioxidant boost, the taste is really good, you just try it.
According to Jamba Juice "For us, it's simple - real food tastes better and makes eating healthier easy. So back in 1990, we got started with a blender full of fruit and a passion for making people happy. And from this pure and simple beginning, our commitment to your health and happinesss continues to fuel us. We Keep it real - with better-for-you choices made from quality ingredients. That means 0g trans fat. No high fructose corn syrup. No artificial preservatives and no artificial flavors. We're Jamba Juice. Pure and Simple".

Jamba Juice Eastwood is located at the Open Park, Eastwood Mall, Quezon city. Other branches include Trinoma, EDSA Shangri-La Mall, Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street Central, Robinson's Magnolia, Robinson's Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM MEgamall and The Block - SM North EDSA. For more details visit http://www.jambajuice.ph or follow their facebook, twiiter and Instagram accounts: @JamabaJuicePH.

Ms. Chai Castro Galapon, one of the new comers in the local literary industry, held her first ever book launch last April 13, 2014 at the health hub of SM Center Pasig with her book entitled “Innocence in Time”. It was an event supported by SM Center Pasig as they give way to local homegrown talents. This is their way of showing their commitment in serving the community. Led by the Leasing Department of SM Center Pasig, the said book launch happened and present during the event was Ms. Chai Castro Galapon's relatives, friends, guests, bloggers and readers.



The “Innocence In Time” book launch materialized not only with the support of SM Center Pasig but also with the support of Philips AVENT who also believes in local talents. There were raffle prizes and goody bags sent for all the guests and bloggers present in the said event. As a Mom as well I know this brand and have used some of their products, they are the leading brand worldwide when it comes for essential needs from Pregnancy to Playground. As you may know Ms. Chai Castro Galapon is not just a book author but also a mom of 2.



Recently, Philips AVENT has launched their search for 30 Philips AVENT Mom-Ambassadors in celebration of their 30 successful years. Philips AVENT continues to develop products inspired by nature that are supported by top standard clinical research and medical trials. So, if you're one of the avid user of Philips AVENT well you might try to get notice by liking Philips Avent PH on Facebook and become one of the Mom-Ambassadors.

During the launching event, kids were entertained by the mascot Super InPLAYtables. Kids danced along with the mascot and took their photos as well. Guests and bloggers listened as Ms. Chai Castro Galapon made a short reading of portion of the book.

The book launch was very successful with the support of the following tenants at SM Center Pasig

CD-R King and Mobile King – the country's leading supplier of computer and phone accessories, office necessities plus a whole lot more!

Classic Savory – the best fried chicken and the tastiest meals in town! They are also one of the pioneers of SM Pasig since 2006.

Pazzo Rollio, The Rolling Pizza – the first of its kind, giving you fresh, delicious pizza and an exciting dining experience too!

Dippin Dots Ice Cream – Giving you more than 2,000 reasons to be happy, with their world class ice cream in different flavors, Small dots that give you big flavor and happiness!

Walter Bread – the leading bread available in SM Hypermarkets nationwide, especially at the SM Center Pasig Hypermarket! They offer only the freshest baked brads ad goodies for the entire family to enjoy.

Pink Parlour – home of painless waxing and spray tanning. A global brand also found in Singapore, Malaysia and other parts of Asia. You got to try to believe the amazing beauty services only they can provide.



Super InPlAYtables – the happiest place to be for kids and the kids at heart!

Krispy Kreme – one of the newest global brands soon to open in SM Center Pasig!

Little Miss Captain Burgers and Patties – Burger delight for everyone!

Other sponsors of the event.

Candeee – Graham Balls for all!

Sweet Life Coffee - Gourmet Tuyo Pasta and Burgitos (mini burgers)

Books on Demand – official printer of Innocence in Time



Manulife Philippines c/o Jonamin Garlit -Financial Advisor (Personal Accident Insurance worth 25k for the whole year)

Adflix Manila – Out-of-Home Advertising Agency —printed our event backdrop

Claytoons Polymer Clay – Innocence in Time Accessories (on-going online raffle for book owners)

*Innocence in Time is now available at Sweet Life Coffee in Greenwoods Executive Village.

Summer is on it's mid already and some of the graduates are still enjoying the vacation while some are already preparing for their big break in the real world of the working class.

Job hunting can be an equally exciting and challenging experience. While technology and social media have provided many tools to connect applicants to their potential employers, this does not always guarantee a callback or an interview.

The good news is, this Labor Day, SM Supermalls will allow convenient and accessible venues for both would-be employers and employees. In a single day, applicants can explore various job opportunities, with the possibility of an interview or even an on-the-spot hire that very same day.


Among the many basic needs that SM Supermalls provides Filipinos, one of the most significant ones is providing jobs. Aside from being home to over 300,000 employees and counting, the company also makes a conscious effort to help provide jobs to the growing Filipino workforce.

Coming from a huge success last year, 2,400 companies participated and offered 394,000 job vacancies. So this coming May 1, dress to impress, make sure your resumes are ready and don’t miss the biggest Job Fair event of the year happening in all SM Supermalls nationwide. Who knows, you may leave the mall a newly hired employee on that very day, and might even have time for some celebratory shopping after!

The Labor Day Job Fair 2014 is spearheaded by SM Supermalls in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). For a complete list of the 53 participating malls and drop boxes for the, please visit www.smsupermalls.com or www.facebook.com/smsupermalls.

Big surprises and twists are set to unravel as the much anticipated phenomenal reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) returns this Sunday, April 27 in Australia, Guam, Japan, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia (Monday, April 28 in New Zealand) via The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Titled “PBB All In” and hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez, John Prats, Robi Domingo, and new host, Alex Gonzaga, the newest PBB edition will feature housemates aged 15-30 years old who will live together inside the famous “Bahay ni Kuya” or PBB house and together will face tough challenges for 100 days.

But before the grand reveal, viewers will have a sneak peek on some of the housemates in “ASAP 19” and “Buzz ng Bayan.”



“Viewers can never really expect anything because what happens inside the PBB house is always unexpected. We are just as excited as them. We look forward to what will happen, the new tasks, and the clash of different personalities,” said Gonzaga who has hosted the show since its first season and still remains excited knowing the show has always something new to offer.

“I was only 21 when I joined PBB. It is no longer a job for me, it is already my second family. I have matured and grown not only as a host but as a person,” she added.



Gonzales, like Gonzaga, has been a face of the show since the first teen edition. “The challenge for us hosts is to keep people interested and keep it relevant. It gets easier in the sense that we know what the program is all about, but challenging in the sense that we should please people since they have already seen everything,” shared Gonzales.

Gonzales adds, “We have already had ten editions, so somehow, other housemates think they know how to play the game. With the new season, we want to bring back the rawness from season 1 and the genuine mix of housemates.”

Gonzales will also team-up again with Prats and Domingo, along with the newest host and Gonzaga’s sister, Alex in “Uber”, which will air from Mondays to Fridays (Saudi Arabia) and Tuesdays to Saturdays (Australia, Guam, New Zealand and Japan) via TFC.



Prats says, “We were surprised by our chemistry in ‘Uber.’ We took on certain roles that were developed only while we were doing the show. Our personalities really jived. The fact that they are bringing ‘Uber’ back only means that we did something successful in the previous seasons.”

Domingo attributes their chemistry from being former PBB housemates who can relate to the happenings inside the PBB house. Domingo was the second placer in PBB second teen edition, while Gonzales and Prats joined the PBB first celebrity edition.



“Other people would not ever understand what the housemates go through, only ex-housemates can. It is always wonderful to bring back our memories inside the house,” Domingo said.

The younger Gonzaga, meanwhile, shared she is beyond enthusiastic to be part of the PBB family because she has been a huge fan of the show since the first season. “I am happy that I am part of PBB’s comeback. I enjoy watching it because as a person, I am a natural ‘chismosa,’ (gossiper) so before I would always ask Ate Toni what happened in the confession room or what was not shown on TV,” Gonzaga revealed.



Viewers and followers of the show are also expected to get even more involved in the show with its highly interactive components on social media.

“PBB All In” also made history by staging Philippine television’s first ever multi-platform auditions, drawing thousands of aspiring housemates in its on-ground auditions in different parts of the country as well as in other countries through TFC plus as well as online auditions.

Do not miss the premiere of the hit reality show “Pinoy Big Brother All In” Sunday, April 27 in Australia, Guam, Japan, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia (Monday, April 28 in New Zealand) via TFC. Connect with fellow Kapamilyas worldwide on www.facebook.com/KapamilyaTFC

This Mom is not much of an adventurist but thanks to my brother who represents me for this experience I can share this new getaway in the north. Alviera's Sandbox is one of the new thing in the vast land of Porac, Pampanga. Ayala Land Inc and in partnership with Leonio Land created a great place to make your summer a lot more interesting and wild. Sandbox redefines the meaning of outdoor fun and experience as they made this vast bare land into a new gateway to a great getaway. Some says that Alviera is more likely of the Nuvali in the north but whatever you call it, this will be the next attraction.

Sandbox brings some of the firsts in the outdoor industry as they pump up the adrenalin of the visitors with its exhilarating activities and facilities.

Some of their main attractions are the Giant Swing, so far it is the Philippines tallest swing at 10-meters high. The Giant Swing accommodates a couple's seat for those who wants to experience it with someone and the solo for the brave ones. Another great attraction and is the only first of its kind in the country, the Avatar One Roller Coaster Zipline, this ride takes one zipping down the line in a roller-coaster style 180- meters down.

Another set of high rising thrill is the Adventure Tower with its 15 meters high of wall climbing fun, rappelling and free fall, it makes this tower a nice deck to catch the best views in Alviera and according to my brother he did experience the free fall which he does not want to do it again.

 
The Aerial Walk is a challenging activity in the place as it entails strength, patience and the willingness to finish the activity. It's an obstacle course in the air. Even kids can enjoy this one. One more activity that my brother enjoyed very much was the ATV ride. He hasn't rode anything like this but he was able to get a hang of it. Of course we should always think of safety.

Aside from these activities there are also other things to enjoy inside Sandbox like the Pump track area where bikers can enjoy this 5,000 square meters as their training ground for some action or just a simple play area, enjoy frisbee, RC plane and car activities plus the kite-flying and kite-making workshops or just simply enjoy the sun and the place at the picnic area.

According to John Estaco, Alviera's General Manager, "The experience at Sandbox gives one a taste of what's to come upon the full development of Alviera. We envision Alviera to be the regional growth center of Central Luzon complete with a commercial district, business and industrial park, university zones, retail centers, a country club, recreational areas and residential neighborhoods."

Alviera is composed of a1,125-hectare property which is located along and is accessible from Porac exit of the SCTEX (Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway). It is also close to Clark Airport and Subic Freeport.

The Sandbox is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information about the place visit www.alviera.ph or their facebook page www.facebookpage.com/AlvieraPH

Filipinos are set to celebrate as one family at the Jollibee Family Bee Day: Grandest Family Picnic, happening on May 10, 2014

You know what Mommies love to do, especially this summer?  Well, actually there are plenty but I think the top of them all is going out on a picnic with the family.  Yes, it's one of the many things that we Moms love to share with our kids and of course with our husbands.

Since family is the main concern, the country’s number one fastfood chain will be gathering Filipinos across the country as one big happy family for the Jollibee Family Bee Day. Dubbed as the grandest family picnic ever, it will be held simultaneously across the Philippines in five venues—Quirino Grandstand in Metro Manila, Bayanihan Park in Pampanga, Nuvali football grounds in Laguna, Plaza Independencia in Cebu and Crocodile Park in Davao – on May 10 (Saturday) from 2-5 pm.

“For over 35 years, Jollibee has played a significant role in the lives of Filipino families by serving as a place where they bond and relish one another’s company over superior-tasting food,” said Jollibee Vice President for Marketing Harvey Ong. “The Jollibee Family Bee Day grand picnic is a fun venue to celebrate our strong love for family which also extends to people who have been part of our daily lives.”

The grand family picnic will feature exciting performances from guest bands like Callalily (Manila), 6 Cycle Mind (Pampanga), Moonstar 88 (Laguna), Spongecola (Cebu) and Imago (Davao) as well as celebrity performers for each leg. There will also be raffle prizes, and side activities for the kids.

To be a part of this one-of-a-kind picnic, simply visit any participating Jollibee store from April 12 to May 9, 2014 nearest to your preferred picnic venue. Tickets are sold for only P150 (with any food purchase) and comes with a set Jollibee picnic meal (Jollibee Yum with Cheese, Peach Mango Pie, bottle of mineral water and tetra-pack juice) good for one pax which will be distributed on the day of the event plus a special Family Bee Day cap.

So get ready with your picnic mats and gather all your family, relatives and the whole gang for a family picnic like no other! For more details, visit www.jollibee.com.ph.

Beauty Pageant has been trending nowadays, well, last year was a great award from the beauty pageant around the world, most of our Bb. Pilipinas representatives on different beauty pageants bag the crown and biggest of all was the Miss World which was won by Megan Young.


Now, it's time for Miss Philippines Earth 2014. The beautiful candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 take over SM Supermarket Megamall and the Mega A Event Center to show everyone just what “beauty for a cause” is all about. More than beauty and brains, delegates of the Miss Philippines Earth have green advocacies that separate them from the rest of the pageant world.

First, some of SM shoppers jammed with the beautiful candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 through singing. Well, aside on the beauty they have they featured also their talent as well.


In line with this, beauties for a cause join the M.O.B (MyOwnBag). SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore Market serve as platform for the Miss Philippines Earth 2014 in spreading environmental awareness among shoppers as they host several pre-pageant events. The partnership gibes a healthy boost to SM's pioneer campaign for reusable bags – Join the M.O.B (MyOwnBag) – which encourages shoppers to reuse their shopping bags. The delegates will also serve as ambassadresses of the SM Greenbag, the first reusable bag in the country, by encouraging more and more shoppers to choose to reuse. Hand in hand, the partnership between the SM Food Retail Group and Miss Earth continues to bring us closer to a cleaner and greener tomorrow.


During the kick off, the delegates showcased their ingenuity and creativity as they flaunt their best dresses made of reusable bags. There are many beautiful pieces but two of them stands out, Miss Quezon City and Miss Daraga, Albay.


Towards this year's crown, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore Market have laid a green path to help this year's delegates spread environmental awareness across thousands of people that go to the stores. Fun games, exciting trivia, and an exhilarating presentation especially prepared by the girls are all spread across a schedule that optimizes their time as they compete to become this year's Miss Philippines Earth. The delegates will take on SM's Cooking Challenge at SM Supermarket San Lazaro and SM Hypermarket Bicutan on May 2.

The grand coronation night is on May 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Moms will definitely like to have a movie time with their family as certified blockbuster director Bb. Joyce Bernal reunites with Vhong Navarro after seven long years in Star Cinema's Da Possessed. This will be the biggest comedy movie for the entire family to enjoy this summer.

The movie Da Possessed is Bb. Joyce Bernal's collaboration with Vhong after seven long years, the first was in 2003's smash hit Mr. Suave and it was followed by two more successful films that completed the Vhong Navarro Movie Franchise namely D' Anothers in 2005 and Agent X44 in 2007. Some of Bernal's record breaking movies are Segunda Mano which was Star Cinema's official entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival and the most recently Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?.



A week ago, this movie enthusiast mom attended a blog conference of the film D Possessed which starred by Vhong Navarro and directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal. During the blog conference lots of things were disclosed by the characters, not only the led stars but also the comedians who are pillars of the comedy movie industry. From the veterans down to the newbie comedians.



Direk Joyce shared that she has a different kind of humor aside from her versatile, crazy roller coaster method of storytelling. She even disclosed that she's a fan of the great trio comedians and the slapstick type of comedy. 

What makes your mom #1?

It is said that the greatest validation that moms will ever receive will always come from their loved ones, especially from their kids. Whether it involves the grandest gestures of love or the simplest ones, as long as it’s from the people who matter most to them, it will always be special.

In celebration of Mother’s Day this year, NIDO FORTIFIED collaborates with dads and kids to be part of a movement orchestrating a unique and very personal surprise to recognize the #1 Moms in their lives through the NIDO FORTIFIED “Wear Your Love” campaign.

“At NIDO FORTIFIED, we feel that the best way to make moms feel special is not necessarily going big and full-scale but in the sincerest way. Nothing can make a mom happier than the reassurance from her family that she is loved, and that her role in the family is irreplaceable,” shared Denise Chua, Nestle Philippines Consumer Marketing Manager. “In line with NIDO FORTIFIED’s commitment to honor our moms as #1, we aim to make this year’s tribute to moms even more heartfelt by teaming up with Filipino families through the “Wear Your Love” campaign for mom.”

NIDO FORTIFIED “Wear Your Love” is a Mother’s Day initiative where kids are invited to publicly show their appreciation for their moms by declaring their heart-warming messages through customized shirts. Through the help of dad and other family members, kids are encouraged to answer the question “What makes your mom #1?” and craft their messages for mom at www.nido-fortified.ph.

The first 2,000 statements submitted to the campaign website will be transformed into one-of-a-kind shirts produced by local clothing brand Bench Lifestyle. Capping off this creative tribute to moms, each personalized statement shirt in NIDO FORTIFIED-inspired cans will be delivered to moms as surprise packages on Mother’s Day.

Kids can submit their messages for mom beginning April 8 up to April 27 or until supplies last. Join the conversations online by using the official hash tag #1mom. For more information on the NIDO FORTIFIED “Wear Your Love” Mother’s Day campaign or to submit your messages for mom, please visit www.nido-fortified.ph.

Here are the three (3) simple steps for you, your kids, and other family members to submit messages for moms at www.nido-fortified.ph.

Step 1: Confirm age. To start creating a shirt, click “Create a Shirt” or simply scroll down the website. You must confirm your age first before proceeding. If the user is younger or older than the age groups specified, he or she would need the help of an adult to join.




Step 2: Create a shirt. You have two options in crafting your message to mom: Submit a personalized 90-character message or select a pre-filled message from the drop-down menu. You also have to type in the name of the kid/s whom the message came from.



Step 3: Register. To proceed, you must provide basic details for the free delivery of the shirt and determine the size of the shirt of their mom. A confirmation message will appear once all fields and items are filled-out.






Upon completion of the basic steps, users will be led to the shirt gallery where the different statements shirts submitted by kids will be displayed.  

So, kids let your mommies be surprised on Mother's Day.