Hey, Boracay!

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Summer is almost over, and boy am I glad! Not to burst your bubble, but I'm not a fan of the excruciating heat (which leads to sky-high Meralco bill) and the tanning part. Not because I have anything against tanned/dark skinned people, it's just simply not for me. That's why I prefer going to the beach (specifically Boracay) in December. The sunny weather is much tolerable and the rates are freakin' awesome.

 

 

 

 

Big bear hugs to the cousin (Sephy Cabato) for his awesomeness! 

Kroketten - Fun and Healthy Potato Dutch Snacks

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If there’s one type of carb that Filipinos have a strong penchant, that’s potato. Whether it’s mashed, fried, in a salad and soup, we so love the flavor and feel of the tiny grains that melt wonderfully in each bite.

 

Since snacking on potato is one of the most popular sustenance and enjoyment in the country, we introduce a unique variety that is surely yummy, appealing, and extra healthy. It’s also interesting to know that it’s made affordable for all! Introducing Kroketten, Netherland’s favorite snack as the Dutch word means a little, round ball.

 

“Kroketten is one of the best ways to enjoy potato—crunchy, filled with cheese and meat, while they’re deep fried in a healthy corn oil. We’re now located in twelve branches which amazingly garners an impressive response since we started operations fourth quarter of last year”, says Kroketten president/owner Maribel Bosch.

 

A former hotelier boasting a vast exposure to the best cuisines of the world, there’s no denying that Maribel is also an expert in the kitchen and has discerning taste buds.  Having been based overseas with her husband and kids, she discovered that croquettes deserve to be in the Philippines soon for its simple and delicious taste which she thought will appeal to all levels of people. True enough, her gut feel proved to be true as Kroketten is growing and is now trending in Manila.  

 

For only P35 per order, Kroketten offers three varieties: Original Kroket, the original oblong shape with ground beef, chicken, and cheese; Kroketballen, by far Filipinos’ most favorite and has three pieces of crunchy potato balls which come with dips; and the miniballen, the bite sized potato balls considered best for sharing. If you plan to tweak your group’s usual snack gathering at your place, Kroketten’s potato balls are worth serving. Since the product can last days if stored properly and has the same great taste when properly reheated, Kroketten is an absolutely healthy snack that will satisfy your guests whether for private gathering or a party!

 

With Kroketballen’s assorted flavors, it’s no surprise that this type is deemed the most popular.  From cheese, chicken, beef, bacon, hotdog, longganisa, pork adobo, mango, and tuyo flakes, all flavors offer an exciting taste with a Filipino twist, especially when paired with the tasty dips. “Our company aims to reach all levels of market A to C, for everyone to enjoy quality, healthy and good food. We never want our products to be intimidating that’s why we came up with a combo meal-- our five pieces mini ballen (P20) and our four pieces mini ballen with the 6.5 oz revitalize 10 or Nutri 10 fresh fruit drink (P35)”, adds Maribel.

 

Speaking of fresh fruit drink, it’s also amazing to know that these delicious balls are best paired with invigorating fresh fruit juices one can ever imagine! And why not? They’re made of the purest and natural fruit juice minus the white sugar, branded exclusively by Vers En Snel by Kroketten. A Dutch word means fresh and fast, it has two signature thirst quenchers. One is a certified health booster made of mango and guyabano, the Nutri 10 while the other one is made of succulent combo of strawberry and passion fruit called Revita 10. “Since these drinks have no preservative, our health buff habitués can’t surely get enough of it! If one needs an immediate vitamin boost, we recommend the Nutri 10. But if you’re feeling tired and heavy, our Revita 10 gives an instant uplift. “And because of the ever growing demand for this product, we’re also working on bottling these drinks soon so anyone can take with them this healthy beverage”, exclaims Maribel.

 

These perfectly composed and polished potato balls are also considered a masterpiece without the guilt. The taste is impressive since it offers a snacking experience that is never boring despite its flavorful taste.

 

Confident about the potential of the product, the company is also open for franchise for a very affordable total investment of P195, 00 (vat exclusive). To date, it operates in twelve malls with Mall of Asia in Pasay coming up very soon. Ultimately, the brand’s international flavor in design with a unique Filipino appeal will surely make history for being the first healthy Dutch potato snack to expand in the country.

 

 

Kroketten is located in twelve branches: Festival Mall Alabang, Albang Town Center, GT Tower Makati, Market! Market!, Starmall Edsa Shaw, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Metro East, SM North Edsa, and SM Lipa Batangas. For inquiries on franchising, please call (632) 822-5711 or 09178596623. 

Filipino Bloggers Hub Party

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In the cyber world where all bloggers are moving-in has become more challenging due to different trends that have been born from time to time in every click and tick of their finger on the mouse. As the blogger pursue their passion, they tend to produce more effective write-ups that are based on their experiences, observation and even with their own opinion.

Today, blogging becomes a good portal of advertisement and online promotion because it can give a huge impact and easy to access information upon clicking the publish button. In just one click, everything went to life as it was being shared and like by others instantly upon uploaded.

Given that bloggers exist every minute and seconds in every social-networking site as well as in the blogging flat form. While giving the readers and other people to have the latest updates as well as entertainment in their web sites or blog sites. But wait a minute; did all bloggers who read other sites blog knew the author personally or acquaintance? I think, not!

Perhaps, some know each other while others tend to get intimidated or something as they see each other in different places. Why? Maybe because they never get a chance to be introduce to each other.
Moreover, the blogosphere in the Philippines is just a small piece of the universal blogosphere. Where is so impossible to know the person one by one in a particular websites or blog site?  And so, bloggers created an event that we called “Filipino Bloggers Hub Party” to get a chance to see, meet and know the person behind in every blog that we read, follow and subscribe to.

On the 19th of May 2012, 1:00pm at the Central Colleges of the Philippines, bloggers around the Metro will gather to have a simple acquaintance party with full of surprises, giveaways, fun games and raffles.  This is the chance to meet and know other bloggers, and this is the day that all bloggers will unite and promise to continue what started intelligently as to give people good, and balance information that people want to know.
To all bloggers in the Metro out there, we would love to know you more and see you in the 1st Filipino Bloggers Hub Party of the year!

This event has been sponsored by Central Colleges of the Philippines, San Marino, Dianna Stalder, Human Nature,  Tiger Energy, Classic Savory, MedChef,   MEGA Publishing Group, OkayOkay,  Get Beauteous, Taste of Goodness, Tablets Mania

Girbaud Philippines - Mother's Day Giveaway

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Want to treat that special woman in your life (your mom, grandma, wife or mother-in-law?) this Mother's Day with a P1,500 worth of Gift Certificates from Marithe Francois Girbaud?

Then join their Mother's Day Giveaway!


Here is how to join:

• Participants must follow their Twitter page, @GirbaudPH.
• Tag @GirbaudPH in your tweet and answer “How will you make this mother's day special for your mom?” with the hashtag #GirbaudForMyMom

One winner will win P1, 500 worth of M+FG Gift Certificates per day starting May 10 to 13, 2012.

SM Supermalls - iButterfly App For iOS and Android

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SM Supermalls proudly released the SM iButterfly an Augmented Reality Application on your IOS and Android mobile devices last May 5, 2012 at select SM Supermalls.

I was invited to attend the launch in The Block; and can I just say, SM sure has an awesome taste and flair with their choices of guests. Celebrities and top fashion and lifestyle bloggers were there to witness and enjoy how iButterfly works and it's perks.

 

What is iButterfly, anyway?

 It is an app for iOS and Android devices that lets users have a fun and entertaining experience while getting perks (like coupons) when you're at an SM Mall.

It uses 3 technologies:  Augmented Reality, for seeing the iButterflies in the real world, Motion Sensors for catching iButterflies using your phone and your phone’s Global Positioning System or GPS for finding where the iButterflies are.  It is definitely a unique way of enjoying promos from our tenant partners such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Forever 21, David’s Salon, Kenny Rogers, Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, Smart, BDO and McDonald’s!

 How does it work?  

First, download the application by  connecting to the free SM WIFI or the SM_iButterfly SSIS at the participating malls. You may also use your phone’s 3G connection. Using your gadget, simply download the App via Google Play and App Store’s, just search for the iButterfly Asia App.  Once downloaded, open the App and start catching  iButterflies.  These turn into instant prizes.  Simply claim your prize at  participating mall stores.


Download, Catch, and Redeem. Easy, right?

I really appreciate efforts like this by businesses like SM Supermalls. Being practical is the key to survival, especially these days when money is hard to come by. People are always open to better choices, and by better, I mean choices wherein we can get more. I'm a self-confessed fanatic of vouchers and coupons, and I'm sure most of the netizens are. Opportunities like what iButterfly offers is a great deal, and it's something I encourage everyone to take advantage of.

At the said event in The Block, I was able to caught an iButterfly from BDO that will give me chance to score movie tickets when I use my BDO Cashcard on any transaction  worth 1000php or more. Now all I have to do is wait for payday, and I'll be able to shop and redeem my prize. ;)

For more information, visit www.smibutterfly.com

Photos I took on the said event. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAC Quick Sizzle - Review, Photos, Swatches

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I am just so glad I got to order this online! I was at the launch of Shop MAC, Cook MAC Collection in TriNoma. I was 2nd in line, and it was sold out already! That fast! I'm just grateful I have great friends in the online seller community so I was able to get one. Whew!

MAC Quick Sizzle

swatch with flash

swatch without flash

So yes, this is MAC Quick Sizzle lipstick. It's a bright blue-based pink in matte finish. It's opaque, long wearing, and the formula (though its matte) is not drying at all. It is part of the Shop MAC, Cook MAC Collection, thus making it a limited edition shade.


PROS: Matte but not drying, gorgeous shade, long wearing, an opaque.
CONS: limited edition. :(


VERDICT:

 I will definitely repurchase!


Where To Buy:
MAC Quick Sizzle
Online (prices may vary)

Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin - Review, Photos, Swatches

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Beauty doesn't always come with a ridiculously high price tag. Sometimes, all you have to do is dig a little deeper, look a little closer, and try new stuff.

I just realized that all my blushes are frosted (shimmery and/or baked). Yes, they are gorgeous, but I sure could use some matte ones. I am in my mid 20s and have oily skin, so all that shimmer isn't helping.

This may come as a surprise for some people, but I also shop at drugstores for makeup. I am not rich, and I think we all need to be practical especially these days when money is hard to come by. I also want to dedicate this to my younger readers who can't spend their entire allowance on makeup, but still wants to get quality beauty products.

I believe we should make an effort in supporting local brands, especially when they're at par with more expensive foreign brands.

I now give you:

Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin

swatch with flash

swatch without flash

This is a matte blush (but under bright light there's a little bit of shimmer) in a peachy coral with a touch of pink. I think this will suit most skin tones. It's not chalky at all. It's buildable so you can wear it as sheer or as opaque as you want it to be. It has a slight distinct smell but its not that strong so I don't think its bothersome. I also love that it comes with a compact mirror and a brush. This is my second purchase of this product. I got my first compact a few years back when I was just starting to experiment with makeup.

PROS: Nice color, good formula, buildable, super affordable and readily available locally
CONS: The packaging is not that sturdy so please be careful, has a slight smell but I'm sure you can overlook that



VERDICT:

 I will definitely repurchase!



Where To Buy:
Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin
150php, Watson's