It’s out with the old and in with the new as Nickelodeon ushers in the year 2014 with a bang, thanks to lots of fresh additions to its monthly lineup!

Rabbids Invasion, the newest animated series from Nickelodeon, is set to bring in the laughs and giggles.

Keeping viewers on their toes is a brand-new animated series headlined by indestructible and uncontrollable rabbit-like creatures who mysteriously land on Earth. Each episode revolves around them navigating the world in their own rabid way, disregarding social rules, laws and protocols. Hilarity ensues and all hell breaks loose in their non-stop quest for amusement. Hop on the crazy train with Rabbids Invasion, every Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00am.


Movie buffs can also rejoice as Nickelodeon kicks off 2014 with a Nick at the Movies special. The teen flick centers on prep school scholar Nicholas Borelli, who gets his life turned upside down as he spends the summer in the tough neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York with Grandma Tutti and Uncle Frankie. Accidentally crafting his alter ego in the form of Nicky Deuce, a Mafia boss-in-the-making type, he is led down a path of self-discovery strewn with juicy family secrets. Get to know the goody-goody turned gangster in Nicky Deuce starting January 24 at 7:00pm.

The suspense and thrill continues in February as the girls “with an attitude” return for a totally hip, totally chic season. BFFs and secret spies Sam, Clover and Alex are back and better than ever, stopping ridiculous-but-totally-evil baddies from taking over the world all while getting caught in the craziness of campus life. Homework, girl bonding, boy problems and crime-fighting? All in a day’s work for these cool chicks. Catch Totally Spies beginning February 3 at 2:30pm.

Nickelodeon’s The Legend of Korra: Book 2 stages a powerful return with more answers and even more questions.

Another heroine to watch out for is Korra, burning up the weekday TV sched with new episodes picking up from where the first book left off. For the follow-up series, she addresses the conflict between spirits and humans, as well as between the two Water Tribes. Korra’s fate takes a turn when Team Avatar and Tenzin’s family attend the Glacier Spirits Festival. There she finds herself being persuaded by her uncle, Unalaq, to be her spirit advisor, which her father and Tenzin disapprove of. It wasn’t until she discovers a secret from her past that she makes a decision to take up Unalaq as her instructor. Find out what happens and tune in to The Legend of Korra: Book 2, airing weekdays starting February 19 at 4:30pm.

Everyone’s favorite crime-fighting reptilian brothers are back on Nickelodeon with a new season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Rounding up the action extravaganza are brothers Leonardo, Michealangelo, Donatello and Raphael for an all-new season that screams “Booyakasha!”. A mutation situation is on hand with Kraang at large in New York City, littering the streets with mutagen canisters that could give rise to potentially dangerous mutant foes. What’s worse is the Kraang and Shredder team-up, a force set to destroy the ninja brothers, along with April O’Neil and new ally Casey Jones. Don’t miss out on all the blade-swinging, weapon-unleashing fun and watch out for the return of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, airing Mondays to Thursdays beginning February 24 at 5:00pm.

Now, how’s that for starting the year right? Save the dates, share with friends on Nick Asia’s Facebook page here, and strap up for a Nicktastic journey ahead! For other highlights, check out www.nick-asia.com!

After almost four months of search for the best and most unique shoe designs, Figlia is mounting the final round for its first-ever shoe design contest, dubbed as 'My Beautiful Sole' on Friday, February 14, 3pm on the 5/F of SM Megamall's Bridgeway, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

The contest was launched in October 2013 and received an enermous response from various creative individuals from as far as Sorsogon. Contestants used materials such as scrap fabric, recycled paper, G.I. wire and more. With this competition, Figlia provided a venue for aspiring show designers to showcase their innovative and potentially appealing designs that might just win the heart of the audiences, not just the judges of the said tilt.

Its contest theme is 'Self-Expression' and aims to the creativity and design skills of Filipinos by creating a prototype of what they envision their respective shoes would look like. The grand winner will receive a brand new Wacom unit and so as his mentor and three thousand worth of Figlia gift certificates and a Starcard membership. There will be four runners-up with corresponding load of prizes, too.



To come up with the best results and winners, Figlia gathered an interesting mix of panel judges. They are Rommel Calaspara of Wacom Philippines, who is proud partner of this maiden design contest: Janeena Chan, a TV host, VJ and a model-actress combined; Ricardo Cepeda, a former fashion and commercial model and both a film and TV actor; Marina Benipayo, a former Binibining Pilipinas title holder and represented the country in Miss World and currently a mentor at School of Fashion and Arts (SoFA); Leeroy New, a production designer for feature and short films, for music videos and for theater production as well;

 
and the chairman of the board of judges is Joey Enriquez, the president of Charter International Incorporated, the makers of the successful Filipino shoe brands for women-Figlia.

Here are the winners:









'My Beautiful Sole' is co-presented by SM Megamall, Wacom Philippines, Yoshinoya, Traffic Footwear, and Red Root Artists Cooperative.

Who loves Chocolate?

Well, everyone love it very much as I do. Recently, Goya held a night event, entitled "Celebrate Everyday with Goya".   This is to give thanks to their supporters and the media for continuously patronizing Goya and to recognize the efforts to uplift Goya's potential to even greater heights and be able to go head-to-head with competitors in terms of taste but at a wallet-friendly price level.


It was a fun-filled night of event with games and prizes, Kim Chiu the brand Ambassador joined and actively participated in all the games and other activities.  She even made a wacky pose together with the other media and she personally pick the wackiest pose with her. I really enjoyed the night and also what I got after.



Isn't amazing?  There were lots of Goya Chocolate variants were presented during the event. It was really a night with full of sweet pleasure that everyone feel the chocolate-y treats from Goya.

Love the taste of their chocolate, that I can personally afford to buy. One of my favorite is the Goya Dark on White Almonds, whole almonds covered in white and dark chocolate. I like the way they prepared the Dark Chocolate, it is not bitter, it is not too sweet and the crispiness (crunchiness) of almond is still there. The combination of dark and white is heavenly taste.


Isn't suprising?  It was like raining chocolates, everyone was surprised during the event and what's more surprising is the picture below...


Yes, I was personally surprise with what they have that night.  My name was called from the raffle and I won an Ipad Mini, isn't surprising right? And they are totally sweet, they know what the media and blogger needs for covering events and writing our stories. I am very thankful for that wonderful blessing. Thank you very much Goya Family.


Isn't it, Isn't it? We Filipinos sometimes just wait for the Padala of our relatives from abroad. That happened in my Family, we just waited for their packages or when they visit or when they goes back in the Philippines.  Chocolates are always included in their Pasalubong and it is the best "Pasalubong" ever. According to Goya General Manager, Josenilo Chincuanco, "With Goya, we now make delicious, world-class and premium-quality chocoates that are within their reach. They don't have to spend more or wait for their relatives' "padala" or "pasalubong" to enjoy delectable chocolates. It's now available right here in our country, the finest chocolate at a price they all can afford. That alone is worthy enough to celebrate". That's true.

Goya now offers wide-array of products from chocolates bars to dragees, chocolate covered-pretzel twists, chocolate wafers ad even chocolate spreads. All manufactured using Swiss chocolate-making technology.

For certified chocolate aficionados out there, visit the Goya Chocoholics Facebook fan page at Goya Chocoholics .

So mommies, let your family have a bonding moment with variants of Goya Chocolates.

After renewing her exclusive contract with her home network TV5, this highly-acclaimed and sought-after celebrity endorser Jasmine Curtis-Smith scored a self-titled suspense drama series from the Kapatid network where she will play as a fictional version of herself.

At the recently-held blogger's conference organized by Vidanes Celebrity Marketing and TV5 at Goldilock's Main Office, Mandaluyong City, the Kapatid princess expressed her excitement for her upcoming Tuesday drama series, JasMINE.

"The best part is that I get to play as myself!" said Jasmine.

Advertising genius Ace Saatchi & Saatchi, commercial and film production expert Unitel and TV5 teamed-up for the exciting series.  JasMINE (the series) takes off from the time when Jasmine Curtis-Smith bagged the Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actress award.  After indulging on her "itch" to do indie films, Jasmine's on-screen manager is now determined to push her to become a mainstream superstar through clinching the lead role in TV5's (fictional) flagship series Ur Loved.

Conflict arises as Jasmine finds adversity from other TV5 artists who also aspire to get the lead role and be paired with the network's top hunk Alexis Vergara (Vin Abrenica).  And as if things cannot get any worse, Jasmine acquires a stalker who becomes the source of a series of unfortunate events to befall on her.

The young Curtis will be fought over by three dashing gentlemen in the series - Vin Abrenica; Gerard Sison who will play as Miguel Asuscion, her young and rich suitor who comes from a powerful political clan; and Matthew Padilla who will star as Inspector Ramon Ramirez, a PMA graduate assigned to investigate Jasmine's stalker. 

The best way to enjoy February, the love month, is to have a date.  Perhaps it is much better if it is done with your love ones and as for me, who is a mom already, spending it with my husband and kids makes it even more memorable, especially on Valentine's Day.   But of course there are also some 'we' time with my hubby alone and movie date is one of them.  Since movie date is somewhat a romantic, I guess, hahaha.

Timely, that Star Cinema's offering "Starting Over Again" created by the Blockbuster and award-winning director Olivia M. Lamasan and critically acclaimed writer Carmi Raymundo, featuring the Philippines' "Ultimate Heartthrob" Piolo Pascual and actress-singer-host Toni Gonzaga, is just in time for Valentine celebration.  Couples can enjoy the movie and spend the time together.



Here is the sypnosis of the movie:

Toni plays Ginny – bubbly, brilliant and driven – who, as a student in Architecture romantically pursues Marco (Piolo), a professor. Eyebrows may be raised but the two genuinely fall in love, until one day, Ginny left for no apparent reason, breaking Marco’s heart into a thousand pieces. Years later, their paths cross again: Ginny has the successful career that she dreamed of while Marco is now a chef… with a new ladylove in Patty (played by the exquisite Iza Calzado). Seems like they are all happy. But wait… Ginny wants Marco back. The journey of second chances begin with Ginny chasing Marco again. But will this have a happy ending or will it end again in heartbreak?



Joining Piolo, Toni and Iza in this not-your-usual romantic comedy are young but amazing talents Joross Gamboa, Bryan Santos, Edgar Allan Guzman, Cai Cortez and Beauty.



According to Ms. Toni Gonzaga, this movie tackles new beginning, take chances, overcoming regrets and to love again.



"This is a Romance Drama with a light moments" added by Direk Olivia M. Lamasan. She explained also that this movie is not a Romantic Comedy (romcom) because when you are talking about the career of the person you cannot into romcom.

Iza Calzado said that this movie is something you really don't want to miss, you'll get hooked by just watching the trailer only.



While on the other hand, Piolo Pascual explained that the film is a "roller coater ride" and "something real for the audience to experience.



Most of the cinemas today are all sold out already.  In just three days the movie had already reached a whooping 100M and still gaining more.

So will definitely watch this movie this coming weekend with my lifetime partner, my hubby.  So watch out for our review on this.

Watch the trailer here:

Moms are so busy and Dads too but don't worry because there's one great event where couples can treat themselves for a Post Valentine celebration at Nuvali.  A truly memorable and definitely magical event that is set to happen this coming February 22, it's the Nuvali Night Sky Cinema. This will capture the hearts of many as they show 3 of the most unforgettable movies that made everybody cry, smile, and fall in love many times, namely "You’ve Got Mail, Eat.Pray.Love, and About Time" Both of you will definitely enjoy!

For moms food is one way to keep the family together and the best bonding experience.  Donuts are just one of these heavenly food that we enjoy together.

Just recently there’s a global trend stating that Cookie Butter seems to be the must-have spread for toast or pancakes. A convenient cookie goodness in a jar with that sweet nutty cinnamon taste making the whole world crave for more. Imagine what would happen if this is combined with doughnuts. It will for make a buzz. Thus, Mister Donut just couldn’t resist designing such divine delights through its masterful Cookie Butter Collection. This collection are exclusively available at their Greenhills branch. Be prepared to experience something absolutely spectacular and fabulous at the same time!

Mister Donuts no. 1 original Japanese Donut, the Pon de Ring, takes its chewy goodness to another level through its creamy variant with a cookie butter middle gently topped with powdered sugar (P39). Those who are looking for a little more bite can dig into their crunchy flavor decorated with cookie butter twirls exquisitely crisscrossed with caramel and chocolate lines (P49). The Do-ssant also has Creamy (P70) and Crunchy (P75) options wherein the cookie butter is lovingly spread around the center with a generous sprinkling of caramel and chocolate drops. It’ll definitely be so difficult to resist such wonderfully made signature line donuts.
Their latest offering inspired by French pastry chefs will definitely be worth mentioning. The Creamy French Cruller (P39), a crown-shaped donut with that melt-in-your-mouth texture, has a delicious interlace of cookie butter and chocolate to please your palate. While the Crunchy French Cruller (P49) has a magnificent cookie butter cream dollop in the middle with chocolate twirls on the side topped off with petite chocolate shavings. People might find themselves singing, “La Marseillaise”, the French national anthem after savoring such a delicious bi For only P300, you can sample this entire Cookie Butter Collection in just one box. Of course, the other flavors for the Pon de Ring, the Do-ssant, and the French Cruller are available as well. Don’t hesitate. Come on down to Mister Donut Greenhills and taste for yourself why everyone’s just loving the cookie butter craze. Now, imagine that only with Mister Donut donuts. Utterly divine, right?

As the year started, SM opens their newest entertainment center at their newly opened SM Mega Fashion Hall. The Bowling Center and Ice Skating Rink are the newest and the coolest entertainment hubs in the metro which are located on the 4th and 5th level respectively.



I never tried skating, well, I am pretty sure I will not, but I will let my sons try it one of these days.  It was a freezing afternoon when they officially opened the SM Skating Rink, an exciting venue for leisure made its mega comeback in SM Megamall. The second Olympic-sized ice skating rink in the country has arrived to where it was first inaugurated in 1992. Indeed, the coolest place in town as it brings winter to the Mega Fashion Hall.
 
Next is the SM Bowling Center, I love bowling, I do play it since college, actually that was my PE before. Very enjoyable and fun playing it with my friends. Now that I have my own Family, will try to do a somewhat tournament, hahaha.  One of these days, we will have our bonding moment over a Bowling Tournament between Team Mommy Angie and Team Daddy Marco.


The SM Bowling Center features a cutting-edge technology, the Bowler Entertainment System X (BES X), which allows customers to enjoy the game by combining the essentials of bowling and the most advanced offering of this new entertainment system to the market. This innovation permits patrons to chat with other bowlers while playing, and post their final game scores in their own Facebook walls. It also has the most updated scoring system, a first in SM Bowling Center, which gives the customers an option  to personalize their digital score board with their own photos, as it is driven to pursue fun and connection with today’s digital age.

The proposition of the newest bowling center in the metro brings in a package of all-in entertainment, with 14 state-of-the-art, fully-automated and synthetic bowling lanes, trendy billiards and videoke rooms. Adding to the newest attraction is today’s most sought after gaming console, the PlayStation 4, which has the premium technical achievement in terms of graphics and gameplay, with its advanced controller, Dualshock 4 which will surely add excitement to the gaming experience.

 
SM Ice Skating Rink and SM Bowling Center is now open to relive your mega experience in the newest and the coolest bonding venue for the whole family and friends.

So let your family date at the mall with these exciting coolest entertainment that your kids will definitely enjoy every bonding moment as a whole family.

Moms like me always need to look at time, of course for the kids schedules but I have never seen a watch that is unique like this SevenFriday.  Yes, I'm not a watch geek but this one intrigues me.  I remember a phrase that Sir Dan said "don't tell me, show me" and that's perhaps what's got my curiosity.
Last February 7, this mom was able to enjoy the flash party happened at the Black Market in Makati City, of course that was a party intended to introduce SevenFriday, Fresh from the press.  It is a night filled with music, drinks, celebrities and what else... SevenFriday watches.  Different personalities and celebrities were there to showcase the watches that fits their personalities some of them are Urnussa Cadness, Rhian Ramos, Laureen Uy, Jerome Teng, Anton Del Rosario , Chef Laudico, and Chiz Escudero and yes they are the chosen brand ambassadors of SevenFriday.  Unique that matches personalities.

SevenFriday Brand Ambassadors, Urnussa Cadness, Jerome Teng, Chef Laudico, Laureen Uy, Anton Del Rosario, Rhian Ramos, Chiz Escudero

Officially, SevenFriday was launched last September for the Philippine market. According to them this timepiece communicate a different aura which is different from any other watch in the market. This is a one of a kind watch that wows even the non-collectors. Elegant enough with its multi-faceted dial and the handiwork defines its finish that comes with modernity on it. Though Kwento Ni Toto wasn't able to wear one, I can somehow was able to feel the touch of its unique design through the pictures that was taken. A drooling picture eyeing to have one of this.

Known Watch Blogger, Anish Bhatt of www.watchanish.com

Steel, industrial plants, engines, machines, and wheels, these are what inspires the brand. The wristwatches of SevenFriday are buikt on two major elements: the box and the interface. The box is made of stainless steel that refers to the complex construction of the protective casing. The casing and the style lies betwenen the modern and the classic, creating an exciting atmosphere. It is surrounded by an animation ring made of aluminum, enhancing its haptic and visual appeal. While the within the box is the interface that consists of hands, discs, dial, and the watch movement. All the indicators are designed and arranged in a way to bring the complexity of the movement to the surface. The dial alone is made up of five separate pieces or layers , with eleven different applications. This complexity makes it interesting.
These watch innovations are visualized by the founder and owner of SevenFriday, Daniel Niederer, who ones have worked in some of the biggest brands of the watch industry. "We wanted to create something that repeesents a lifestyle that I want to live, the values I believe in. That was really the foundation of SevenFriday," that's what Mr Niederer shared.

In the Philippines, SevenFriday is located at their first solo boutique at the Promenade 2 in the Greenhills Shopping Complex which bellies the same industrial chic vibe of its timepieces.  Follow their instagram and twitter @SevenFriday_Manila.

Here is the good news to all Panatag Moms out there just like me. Love to dress your kids up? Do you let them play in costumes? If your answer is “yes” to both questions, then you and your kids will definitely enjoy Lactum 3+/6+'s Toy Story Costume Party!

We encourage moms and kids to be creative and have fun by dressing up their little ones as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie or Lotso! For inspiration on your child's costume, you can get a Mealtime Surprise feat. Toy Story with every purchase of Lactum 3+/6+ pack and use the Toy Story characters featured as your guide.

Submission period is from February 17 to March 20 and voting is on March 21 to April 17, 2014. The promo is open to all parents or guardian with kids aged 37 months to 9 years old as of contest date.

For more details, go to https://apps.facebook.com/toystorycostumeparty/.

Per DOH-FDA-CFRR Permit No. 0035 s. 2014.

Let you and your kids join Lactum 3+/6+'s Toy Story Costume Party , it will be a great bonding moment with them, specially if you win this promo. Oh, we'll definitely join this, my kids will love it very much.