Starbucks Summer Drinks

On April 20, Starbucks will reveal their cool offerings for summer. I still don't have an idea what it is really but I guess it has something to do with espresso and java chip ;) Just a wild guess.

So for those Starbucks fanatics out there, head on to your fave branch and let's discover another better way to beat this heat! Just minutes away til 12. :)

iBlog6: The 6th Philippine Blogging Summit

For all bloggers, inspiring to be one and just blog readers, the 6th Philippine Blogging Summit or iBlog6 will again held a seminar on April 16 and 17 so that's starts tomorrow, and will be held at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law, University of the Philippines Diliman Campus.

The first day (April 16) is targeted for businesses and entrepreneurs wanting to market their products or services through blog. The second day (April 17) is all about basic concepts of blogging.

Let me remind you it is for FREE! So better be there and start registering now. They also accept walk-ins by the way. For the first 250 registered participants who came in as early-birds, they will be given food stub and participant kit. After that, any remaining stubs will be for the walk-ins.

Me and my hubby, who just also started his Food and Tech blog, will attend Day 2. Hope to meet you all there online friends! Let me know if you're coming too, okay?

The summit event includes:

Day 1 (April 16, 2010)

9:00 – 9:20 Opening Ceremonies (National Anthem, Welcome)
9:20 – 9:40 Blogging for Business (Janette Toral)
9:50 – 10:10 Tapping Bloggers to Generate Buzz (Jayvee Fernandez)
10:20 – 10:35 BREAK
10:35 – 11:05 Advertising in Blogs (Abe Olandres and Carlos Palma)
11:20 – 11:40 SPONSOR talk
12:00 – 1:15 LUNCH / NETWORKING
1:15 – 1:35 SEO & Blogging to Promote Your Business (Francis Gary Viray)
1:50 – 2:10 Measuring Blog Buzz (Carlo Ople)
2:25 – 2:45 Legal Concerns in Blogging for Business (JJ Disini)
3:00 – 3:20 BREAK
3:20 – 3:40 Blogger and Advertiser: What is the Win-Win Relationship? (Diana Paterno)
3:50 – 4:10 Online Attraction Marketing (Manuel Viloria)
4:20 RAFFLE and GROUP PICTURE

 Day 2 (April 17, 2010)

8:45 Opening Ceremonies (National Anthem & Welcome)
9:00 – 9:20 Blogging 101 (Hannah Villasis)
9:30 – 10:00 Video Blogging 101 (Vince Golangco)
10:15 – 10:35 Photo Blogging 101 (Juned Sonido)
10:50 – 11:05 BREAK
11:05 – 11:40 Political, Online Commentary, Social Media, & Election Blogging 2010 (Marck Ronald Rimorin and Noemi Dado)
12:00 – 1:15 LUNCH & NETWORKING
1:15 – 1:35 (SPONSOR TALK)
1:50 – 2:10 Launching Successful Blog Contests (Jinoe Gavan)
2:25 – 2:45 Blog Policies (UP-ISP)
3:00 – 3:15 BREAK
3:15 – 3:35 Impact of Blogging to the Community (Joseph Gonzales)
3:50 – 4:10 SEO: A Must for Making Money Online (Marhgil Macuha)
4:30 RAFFLE, iBlog Video Contest Winner Announcement, and GROUP PHOTO

Who's on Top 1?

April 29 was my sister's Recognition Day and I'm proud to say she's the Top 1 on her class and among the Grade 1 sections. Yay! :) I know she is just on her First Grade but hey, it's Top 1! She's better than me when I was at her age. I'm also on honor roll before... always *ehem* but she can dance -- more of the leader type while I was the shy type.

With Mom and her Gold medal :)

She was given the Gold medal for topping the Division exam given only to the best three students on all Grade 1 sections.

The next day was for recognizing students in their respective class. Here she is together with the Top 10. Btw, she's on Star section.

Two medals: First Honor and Most Industrious

What can I say more...I'm a hella proud sister! I love you! :)

Congrats Dominique!

We end it with Ice Cream party!

Selecta Coffee Crumble -- one of our fave flavor!

Yours Truly @ TV5's Talentadong Pinoy

Yeah, you read it right. But not as a contestant, okay? Haha. Fortunately, I was given a chance to become a Talentado Jury last Monday held on SM North Edsa Sky Dome. My taping's scheduled at 3PM. Brought my Mom, Sis and Hubby with me. Too bad, I only got to take some pics 'coz cameras aren't allowed to be used inside. But hubby get to sneaked some. Haha.

I came early, tell me I'm excited. :) Audience are entertained by Voyz Avenue, an all-boys group who dance and sings serving as front act for that night. Think of them as those Korean boy band whose maporma but hey, they got talent uh. And me, I am at the backstage prepping up by the MUA with my seven other Jury. We're eight btw.

Here are the pics that night.

The audience

Can you spot my Hubby? They've got a good view of the stage.

Voyz Avenue

My mom and sis...

With hubby...

Tuesday Vargas is so funny and pretty in person. She has a lot of tattoo on her back though, not sure if it's just Henna. That's Wilma Doesn't and Ruffa G. on her back. Ruffa G looks like a mannequin, I envy her legs. oh la la la. Wilma is pretty too!

Audie Gemora

Hubby and sis as Jury too haha.

And yours truly...

I'm a celebrity..for a night (Don't you dare say no! Haha)

Hope you didn't get bored. I don't have a picture of Ryan A. :( He's so gwapo and ang kulit!!! Honestly, it isn't my first time to get on TV. I was once a contestant of Kris Aquino's Pinoy Bingo Night. Now I'm shy *wink*

Thanks to TV5 and Ms. Rachel. This will be aired on Easter Sunday, April 4, around 7-8 PM. Please watch me, okay?

10 Things To Remember When You're Going To A Mega Sale Event

Ten things I've learned after going to Crocs Mega Sale at the Mega Tent.

1. Be there early. If it starts at 10 AM, be there from 7-8 AM. After that, be prepared to be basked, or better be baked, under the sun. :) In case, you'll be going to an event with no waiting area.
2. Have a preview of products on sale and pick your favorites before going in. This way you can get directly on a specific style and never get lost as there will be lots of styles to choose from and I must say, people dashing out to grab it first.
3. Better if you know your size too. That way, you can just grab anything you want and recheck after if it fits you well.
4. Be a girl scout. Bring an umbrella, water and face towels.
5. Wear comfy outfit. For me, shorts and flip flops would be my best bet since I am going to a footwear sale.
6. Have someone with you. Just to share the waiting in line moment. I have Hubby on my side.
7. If it's not really important, never bring a child inside the event. Just look at how they will be irritated with the environment. Better if you'll just have someone stay with them in the car.
8. Bring extra cash. In case, you spotted another gem. :)
9. Be patient. Don't be a damn brat complaining and whining of how uncomfortable your situation is. You know where you are going and I'm sure you know what to expect.
10. Don't forget your camera. So you can always remember that you once became crazy over a pair of shoes.

Crocs Mega Sale at The Mega Tent Survivor

Yes, I've been there. At the Mega Tent for Crocs Mega Sale. I survived.

Hoooh, with just the title you know I won't need to describe what chaos happened that day. Because from March 18 to 21 (March 17 for Citibank Cardholders Preview) Crocs will held a Mega Sale at the Mega Tent and starts at 10AM-6PM. What do you say when you see Crocs marked down their products for up to 90%? Well, I say this:

And this:

And this:

And me, poof!

I am standing on this grass field from 8AM - 11AM being fried under the sun. Silly me to never thought of bringing my umbrella. But hey, see me smiling still haha. Though we arrived on the event at 8AM, there is already long line waiting for you! The guard said that these people are waiting for as early as 6-7AM. Hooo! Actually, we are still lucky to be in that part.

Once you're in line, Citibank representatives will pursue and pursue you to sign up for their credit card! In return, you'll have the VIP access to the event which I guess is just free entrance (Non-Citibank cardholders are charged Php 50 for entrance fee). Their overused words are still in my head, "Mam may credit card na po kayo?"

By 11AM, much after waiting for 3 hours, we finally managed to get inside and dive to boxes upon boxes of Crocs footwear! Hubby and I decided to separate and go to our particular areas then meet at the Jibbitzcorner once we are done searching for our pair/s. Ladies from different social levels endlessly search for their desired style and size. I am really eyeing for Malindi, Prima, Alice and for my sis Girls Alice, Kids Cayman and either Dora or Cinderella Crocling.

To much dismay, I never found any of my faves there. Either they ran out of sizes, styles or the other pair is missing. Yeah, you can really see missing pairs scattered on the floor.

We stayed in the Kids sections since this part isn't populated much unlike in the Women's and Men's section. Hubby and I are already thinking to leave empty-handed and just exit at the Passers-by (such a lonely exit after thinking of how long you waited for it). But suddenly, my eyes landed something on one of these boxes.

Still smiling huh, :)

Wonder why? Because I spotted my goal on the Kids section. Yey! I guess someone just left it there. After checking if it fits me well, a mom hurriedly asked me where did I get it. It just shows how this style is so loved!

We head on to the cashier and probably waited for another 20-30 mins. Actually, I don't remember how long we stayed there, probably less longer that what I expected. Hubby is there to cheer me up. :) Just to show you the difference of the Cashier Area from the time we started to the time we're lining up.

Before

After

We were out by 12:30PM. We don't care how we look like at that time because our tummy says that we should head to the nearest mall and grab our lunch. Btw, there are food stalls in the event like McDo and Mang Inasal in case someone needs some refreshments. There's also Ministop in the next building.

Looking back at what happened I guess it's all worth it, knowing it is just our first time. :) 'Coz I am with Hubby and I got this.

Malindi in Watermalon size 7..just what I am looking for.

From PhP 1850 down to PhP 925.

We'll go back again for the next Crocs Mega sale. See you there!

Snapshot of Where I Am Yesterday + Hauls

Here's a preview where I am yesterday. Do you know this place and the long line? 

Full report tomorrow!

We went to the mall after the event and here's what I got:

Sunsilk Damage Repair Conditioner PhP 84 - Mom and I like the Sunsilk Damage Repair Promo Kit so we repurchase another set.

pH Care Cool Wind PhP 46 - My fave variant for my you-know-what :)

L'oreal Elseve Smooth Intense Conditioner PhP 165 - I'm a long-time user of their Royal Jelly variant but I feel like my hair really needs something new.

What do you think ladies? I'm quite a hair-care product fanatic :)

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Fru-Tea Ice Blended OPEN HOUSE

If you are free this Sunday or not feeling to watch Manny Pacquio's fight, better go to your favorite CBTL branch and be the first to sample their summer drinks!

From 10 AM - 12NN, your choice of Pomegranate Fru-tea or Lemon Zest Fru-tea Ice Blended -- FREE! Pomegranate sounds like a good choice for me. If you're not familiar with it, it's called "Granada" by us Filipinos.

Note: All The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores in Manila & Cebu will participate (except Convergys)

See you there!

CBTL Website | CBTL Facebook Fan Page

Nescafe First Pick Event at Trinoma

A day without coffee isn't a day with me. Coffee's aroma entices me every morning or anytime I get to smell one. I even have the habit to sniff in right from its jar or pack. I don't know.. but it keeps me on high. :) I can call it my Love for Coffee. No argue that coffee just binds everyone. From the usual kapehan of a family every morning, coffee breaks and meetings in the office and late at night projects with your thesis mates to perk you up. Don't you just love it too?

That's why I never said no to an event held recently about coffee on March 5. Nescafe launch Adopt a Li'l Beanie which is for every purchase of Nescafe First Pick 2010 Limited Edition bottle bought you get to adopt one bean which will then be donated to our coffee farmers. One bean donation from a PhP 110 coffee may sound a little but if many people will take part of it, that could really mean a lot for our farmers. In fact Nescafe, being the country’s leading coffee brand, is already helping around 30,000 coffee farmers for 40 years now by providing training assistance and different various programs.

The event was held at Trinoma Activity Center and there are five stations. Once you go in, you'll be handed with a map-like which you need to have it stamped for every station you visit.

First stop, the Planting Station. Did you know that you will have to wait for nine months after planting the coffee bean to grow into a seedling and another nine months before it grew dozens of red cherries? Hmmm.

Second stop, Picking Post. We were asked to pick 10 cherries and drop it in a bowl of water. When 4 or less float, you'll be given a reward. This is just a test of what good cherries are. When they float, it means an insect have gotten inside them. While those healthy ones, of course, will sink in to the water.

Third stop, Buying Station. Here, we have to differentiate the looks of a coffee bean. There are black beanie, broken beanie, good beanie etc.

Fourth stop, Tasting Patio. We got to taste Nescafe First Pick for free! :)

Fifth and last stop, Adoption Barn. You'll need to buy the bottle for Php 110. They also offer cute shirts which you just need to add PhP 100. We liked "I am a Li'l Beanie Mom and Dad" shirt but, yes, they ran out of those. We asked if it's available in stores or supermarkets but sadly it's not. :( Once you bought a bottle, you can now pass through the adoption barn then you can enter your special code in their available laptops and adopt your li'l beanie right there! You can also get to name it. But I can't tell you what we named ours, haha.

Participated with various artists like Sitti, Karla Henry, Joy Viado and Christian Bautista. I can't hide but to get so kilig when Christian Bautista serenaded the audience with his renditions of Jose Mari Chan's best songs. He has the album, btw, titled "Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan." He sang Beautiful Girl to a lucky mom down in his knees...hmmm. I love him. :)

After completing these stations, we are given a souvenir photo. Our Adoption Certificate, take a look!

Hubby and I instantly become Mom and Dad..with a coffee beanie! I'm happy.

To know more about the coffee, please visit Nescafe First Pick website.

California Berry + Nescafe First Pick Event

Last Friday, California Berry gave away free yogurt to their first 50 customers from 2PM to 4PM in every branch. It was their way of introducing their newest yogurt flavor, it's blueberry btw :), along side of their other flavors like green tea (matcha), coffee and of course the original. Luckily, we are near their SM The Block branch that day because of another event. We visit their cute store and I think we are the 5th customer to try it out. First ones were a group of high school students.I already scoop on my cup eeek :p

According to them, "Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. An Antioxidant Powerhouse. Cardioprotective Action. Protection against Macular Degeneration. Promotion of Gastrointestinal Health. Protection against Colon Cancer. Protection against Ovarian Cancer. **PLUS** It's combined with fresh nonfat frozen yogurt so you get the BEST of Both!" Who couldn't say no to that?

It's my first time to try it actually..because I have my fave yogurt place too! :) I will tell you more of that next time. California Berry yogurt is so smooth and has that sting of sourness. I don't really like it that much or maybe because I got the blueberry flavor which in itself has already a sour taste. Hubby doesn't buy it either. But I guess we need to get back to this place and try their original one with toppings to give them fair judgment. What do you think?

Prices per cup size are: Small at PhP 60, Medium at PhP 85 and Large at PhP 115. There is an additional charge of Php 20 per topping. They also have premixed choices for P115 (medium) and P145 (large).

Please visit their site for a complete list of branches. You may also be a fan of their Facebook Fan page to be updated on promotions and latest offerings.

California Berry

SM North Edsa The Block

4th Level, Near the Cinema

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That day, we also attended an event at Trinoma Activity Center. Nescafe First Pick launched their "Adopt A Li'l Beanie" which is for every Nescafe First Pick 2010 Limited Edition bottle you purchase you can adopt one coffee bean and donate it to our coffee farmers.

We instantly become Li'l Beanie Mom and Dad! Will have a detailed post on this later. Have a great day :)

Ms. Lee Shen Gee Meet and Greet + Early Valentine's Date

Oh my, I can't believe who I just saw! While I'm lining up for the Valentine's day movie at Shang, Ms. Shen of Shen's Addiction came in to watch the movie too. Waaaah! I am speechless. I wanted to greet her but darn I'm so shy. Know why? She is so pretty! And you know she's one of my inspiration for starting this blog.

But then God heard my thoughts. After the movie, I'm waiting for The BF outside the cinema and guess what happen next? Ms. Shen is also waiting for his man and boy oh boy she is standing beside me. Woot woot! I put up all my courage and these words just blurted out... "Hi Shen!" As if we know each other for so long. Haha. Of course, she was clueless of who I am. But that's okay, I introduce her to The BF and I met his man too!

That's me and Ms. Shen. I don't know when we'll meet again. Sigh*

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Around 11:30 PM, The BF and I decided to have some coffee at CBTL, Trinoma. The store is open until 1AM. We had our usuals. White Choco Mocha Dream Ice Blended for me and Hot Caramel for my man. We even tried Oreo Cheesecake Tart, which is so good. Little did I know, it is already February 14. Much of an early date this Valentine's. Spread the ♥.

Calories galore in the wee hours

Where Am I On Valentine's Day?

Can you guess?? I was treated to watch a movie for two at Edsa Shangrila Cinema on February 13. It's from White Hat, an Italian frozen yogurt famous in the metro,and they had this contest of giving two free tickets to whoever uses their Valentine's Day movie poster as profile picture on their Facebook account. Of course, I won't be late for that! Haha. Obviously, I am one of the winners. Thus, I earned these.

There are other ways to grab these like sending a blog entry to their Facebook Fan page or if you're really a fanatic, finishing their stamp card by consuming 10 cups or "hats" as what they call it, won't be a problem to you. Well, that won't really be a problem since this yogurt is so YUM-OH!

On the showing date itself, first 200 ladies were given Belle de Jour Planner and a 2 ml The Body Shop Love ETC... Eau de Parfum. It's the latest perfume offering from TBS. While for our guys, free 3-day pass to Fitness First. Being an early bird, we got them all.Tihee!

Thank you Mr. Eric Chao and Ms. Candy Gan! Kudos to White Hat team! Become a fan of White Hat to receive updates on their new products and promos. They now have 6,000 fans!

Errr, I'm thinking this post should be entitled "Where Am I On 02.13.10, right?" Haha.

Happy Valentine's Day and Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Love comes in many form so I hope everyone is receiving some love today...and always! I am very glad that many people love me. Am I that nice? Haha. My family and of course The BF♥.. God showered me love the whole year round..and please this year too!

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Valentine's Day and let's not forget..Kung Hei Fat Choi!