campaign Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Inner Confidence from MAXI-PEEL

September 10, 2015 by Janey

You know what they say about self-confidence. You can’t touch it but you can definitely feel it. To be confident is to be beautiful. However, it does help a lot if our natural beauty shines through without any complication such as skin problems, acne, etc.

Cable channels have a lot of shows where you see that success as a model or TV personality wasn’t about being perfect – no one was. It was mainly about how you carried yourself and how self-assured you appeared.

But truth be told, no matter how confident we are of who we are in life and how many people truly love us, we do look in the mirror and want to be able to hold our head up high, with poise and self-confidence. It is easier to do that, with healthier skin.

That’s the reason why even if we are comfortable with who we are which really defines our appeal from appearance to inner strength, the strength of our confidence lies on how we feel about our physical look. It’s no longer about what others think of you but what we think of ourselves.

The Beautiful Skin Feel of Maxi Peel

September 10, 2014 by Janey

There is beauty in a confident woman. Confidence is built in a woman who stands in truth, who is financially independent and can make strong, responsible decisions in her life, who owns her mistakes and the open space to continue growing, who loves and respects the people around her genuinely and walks faithfully with the Lord.

A woman who has been through life’s difficult struggles and made it through with grace and humility can definitely walk with self-assurance. She is able to take care of herself and every aspect of her life. The level of self-confidence can be exhibited in different ways from behavior, body language, and how you speak. But is it easy to hold her head high?

Love Food, Don’t Waste

October 9, 2013 by Janey

My heartless friends joke a lot about me having this bottomless pit of a tummy but I do get full, contrary to popular belief. Even if I want to gobble everything on the table that people aren’t finishing, I sometimes wave the white flag and relent to not take another bite. I’m not opposed to having it packed to bring home and I make it a point to eat leftovers and not leave it spoiling in the ref. Not all people are mindful though. And sometimes, buffets’ ultimate motto of absolutely NO leftovers is best practiced than overlooked.

Image from Bistecca entry

We pay attention when our own hunger pangs come o-grumbling but we close our eyes to the less fortunate who go on hungry for days, even weeks, by mindlessly throwing out food or leaving it on the table.

One of the many things I learned from my father is not to waste food. I remember when I was still young and eager to finish lunch or dinner just to be able to play the Nintendo family comp, my Pops would point to the few grains of rice on my plate and ask me gently to finish it all. Every single time there is still food on my plate, no matter how little a morsel it is, as long as it’s edible, he didn’t tire to ask to finish it. There are times I felt it was silly whenever he requested to finish even ONE grain of rice. But looking back, it was all good training. We all try to say a prayer of grace before meals but do we remember to speak a prayer of blessing for those who go without?

Image via google images

My go-to store for healthy alternatives for snacks, tea and supplements, Healthy Options has started an advocacy to stop food wastage through a social media campaign, “Love Food, Don’t Waste.”

Check out these YouTube videos:

Healthy Options raises awareness on the ridiculous amount of food that ends up inside a trash bin. A lot of folks ignore the fact that not everyone has access to food and many are actually starving. A family of 8 actually shares one instant noodle soup amongst themselves to survive. This is just one of many illustrations of how people cope with deprivation. There are worse realities.

The Waves Return

August 12, 2013 by Janey

Nowhere found in Manila last weekend, I went to where I was just two weekends ago. Lost in the moment –of which I always find myself in at Crystal Beach Resort. This is where I have been disappearing to. In between my anxiety of water, the thrill of winning against it, breathing fresh air, laughing my joy out loud with friends, communing with nature and finding God in the midst of all the organic beauty, this is where I have pitched a tent of temporary haven.

I’m a Manila girl, growing up in the concrete jungle with never having access to provincial fiestas and an answer to, “san probinsiya mo ne?” But I drew close to Zambales. I remember joining Conquer Zambales in 2009 – an adventure race organized by Living Asia with Sidetrip magazine that had me and CW speeding all over the province finishing one challenge after the other. The tasks were daunting and super fun, like jumping off a 15-feet dive board at the military camp, scaling big smelly fishes and gutting them (my first time to do in my life), seeing my partner hop on an old rickety boat and climbing the mast to get the next clue, cooking rice in a bamboo, crossing the sand bar between Camara island and another island with a heavy bucket of water, and many other tasks for a full 2 days. I’ve joined many adventure races but that one is top 3 of the most memorable even if I wasn’t near anywhere placing a spot since it allowed me to see the beauty of Zambales, both in the many places we went to and in its people.

In 2008, I also found a secret spot off the port of Pundaquit, a 30-minute boat ride to the beautiful off-white powdery sands of Anawangin. The lighthouse in Capones island. Chasing flags in Potipot island. Climbing a huge rock in Camara. Buying bagnet in the Zambales market.

Early this year, Shell Journeys had me planning another adventure trip and I picked Z, got reacquainted and now I couldn’t keep away.

RELATED POST:

The Journey a Weekend Can Give

Anawangin

Dear Jane: Conquer Zambales Mate

In the Beginning

I met new friends. I found a new challenge. I am learning from my surfing coach, Vergel. I rally behind a community that enjoys a simple life, genuine smiles, the sun, sand and of course, riding the waves.

Zambales became my home town. Crystal Beach, my new home address.

Here I don’t have a problem waking up early in the morning, sneaking out the room while everyone is still in la la land. I just take in the beauty of the morning and the fresh smell of hope.

Next time, I look forward to dawn watch. And giving praise and worship to the Father who has loved me so much.

This weekend was one of the best weekends of the year. I don’t know if it’s coming from a real “low” as this week brought news that saddened the heart that there was nowhere to go but up… it was also a toxic week at work more than usual… but boy, the joy soared on Friday. I always feel God’s overwhelming love but I felt it so much more last Friday. I can’t explain it but I was just laughing and laughing, with no guards up, bonding with the people I was with –new and old, reconnecting with my “sole” sister Maddie…

because our stronghold is God. ‪

#‎love‬ ‪#‎contentment‬ ‪#‎simplejoys‬ ‪#‎friendships‬‪#‎family‬ ‪#‎happiness‬ ‪#‎faith‬ ‪#‎truth‬

…and receiving texts and calls from friends / groups in Manila who I felt missed me and wanted to spend time with me. If you’ve seen my craziness, you’d know that would be rare and people would normally excuse themselves around me… unless I’m wearing a straightjacket.

We are grateful since the forecast was totally flat but there were baby waves (a.k.a. white water) that also helped me practice minus the fear of the big waves.

Mac teaching new kids on the block

Too bad that the schedule was full and all the instructors and surf boards were booked Friday afternoon. While we decided to rest and relax, enjoy the sunset by the beach, and play Frisbee in between, my heart still yearned to go out and play with the baby waves. I looked out at the horizon and watched with longing.

Sunset Water Babies

Glad Abby read into my spirit and asked surfer Jay-R to lend me his personal board. She led me to sea and Jay-R took over, giving me a few tips and helping me catch a baby wave or two. I was able to do 4 rides that afternoon, 4/4 short ones but enough to make me happy.

We started out early Friday on a road trip and came home late Saturday night – set it two days so we have the 3^rd day to rest. If the waves were not forecast as such, we would have stayed until Sunday but we were meant to avoid the heavy rains Sunday brought like God has provisioned us to fully enjoy the 2 days and fully rest on Sunday. How perfect the plans of the Lord are!

I can’t even begin to tell you how fun the weekend was. I had a blast.

Instead of just blabbing about it like blah blah blah ha-ha-ha blah blah blah.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Road Trip: Zambales (August 9-10, 2013)

Morning from SCTEX! 🙂

–

Maddie and Janey

–

Roadkills

A Shell Safety Reminder to Motorists During Holy Week Travel

March 21, 2013 by Janey

Taking a vacation with loved ones is one of the secrets of strong and healthy familial bond. This is why weekends and holidays are deeply treasured by many. To ensure a safe and hassle-free travel this Holy Week, you need to ensure your vehicle is in top shape. Keeping safety and welfare of customers in mind, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Shell) invites motorists to have their vehicles checked at their nearest Shell service bay before they go on their Holy Week journeys.

Shell service bays’ professional and friendly technicians are well equipped to provide you with excellent service and keep your vehicles running right. Shell has the largest service bay chain in the Philippines, and with almost 200 outlets of Shell Helix Service Centre and Shell Helix Oil Change+, you are sure to find an outlet near you. Several outlets also have customer lounge facilities that allow you to wait in comfort while your vehicle is being serviced.

The Journey a Weekend Can Give… with Shell Journeys. Crystal Beach Resort, Zambales

March 14, 2013 by Janey

White clouds roll in the sky. Mister sun is sneaking in a smile from behind. My eyes flinch and I pull down my sunnies, everything went a shade friendlier. I look up again and realize no gray concretes block my view. I crane my neck and see, the sky looking down at me, and finally I am seen.

Barely weeks ago, I’m typing furiously, number and words that make what an itinerary should be. I’m sliding that task in between paperwork that needs to be done, contracts that need to be reviewed, numbers that need to be run, errands that need to be finished, online presence that needs to be felt, interactions that need listening to… all needs. Where does my need fall in all these?

I knew I needed a pause. I’m still peeling off scabs of a wound I had in the past. Days arrive looking at me staring at my wounds, waiting for them to heal. No, I have too much silence in the hours waiting for my mind to fall asleep. What I need is an adventure. Joyful moments that can break the monotony of life, will crack the distracting noise or the deafening silence surrounding me.

The past two days, it’s been raining nonstop in Manila. Friday evening seems to leave a promise and when Saturday dawned, the skies were clear, as if it was never heartbroken. My excitement brews like coffee roasting in a percolator, its aroma sweating off its beans. In my case, I go off smelling like Ralph Lauren’s Ralph, light and fruity, masking years of not bathing *insert evil laugh here.*

Eric arrives, as usual very fashionably late, which I’m getting revenge on later in life. Then there’s the mix up on whose car we’re bringing. Had to travel home amidst Friday traffic to get the car only to find out he “supposedly” said we will use his brand new spanking Tucson. I wonder why I became friends with him in college. That was over a decade ago, I was probably still very reckless.

Dumping all our weekend bags and the groceries we bought at the back of this week-old SUV, I plop onto the passenger seat. Madz takes the backseat. Eric revs the engine, ready to leave everything behind and not come back for a while.

Road trip, here we go! I pick out the playlist intended for this trip and press play.

You know guys who can’t stop yapping about cars and girls who can’t stop yapping about shopping, they go together. It’s not my crowd. Life for me is wasted sitting around spitting out the most expensive thing your money can buy or what your talk can impress. But that day I couldn’t stop picking Eric’s brain on SUVs since he’s been going around test driving many cars before making the decision on the Tucson. I think one of my financial goals this year or next year is a mini-SUV with a diesel engine. I’ve started researching and pestering people with my endless questions. Well, it’s going to be a long mountain to climb but, if you know me, I like having a goal in mind and working hard for it.

The music blasts a happy tune and my sole sister Madz and I move to the beat and sing. Eric gives us a weird look and I shove him softly, pressing him to the side of the door asking if he remembers our road trips in college. “Remember that girl? She’s here. This weekend, that’s going to be me again. Be ready for some fun and lots of uncontrolled singing.” And a bit of danger (if you don’t look happy listening to our angelic voices). He straps the seatbelt on me, which I always forget. At least, there’s something he’s good for.

Like any other road trips in the past, we stop over at Shell along NLEX. Before embarking on any long or short road travel, there’s one hub that preps our cars as much as we ready our bold spirits. It was time to gas up.

Kraft Eden Keso De Gallo in 100 Days in 100 Towns Builds One Nation

October 1, 2010 by Janey

Every year, the Philippines as One Nation starts the World’s Longest Christmas Celebration and Kraft Eden is right in the middle of the action as they launched Kraft Eden Keso de Gallo and search for the best unique dish in 100 towns.

100 Days. 100 Towns. 100 Unique Dishes.

December may be the start of Christmas for the rest of the world. But here in the Philippines, Christmas history is made–because the world’s favorite season of the year starts a hundred days early.

As early as September 4, Eden Cheese–the country’s well-loved cheese brand spearheads the world’s longest Christmas celebration with Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas. Previously igniting the joy and faith of Filipinos nationwide in last year’s Keso de Gallo, Eden is back to once again bring the warmest and tastiest Yuletide tidings to everyone, reminding Filipino of hope and unity.

“It is very evident that Filipinos have an innate sense of early excitement for Christmastime whatever situation they may be in,” Kraft Foods Philippines’ Category Marketing Manager Alex Dan Tacderas explains. “That is why we wanted to embody this excitement and bring the entire nation together for Christmas as early as September 4,” he adds.

Christmas may now have officially started in the Philippines. But this latest Yuletide undertaking by Eden in partnership with ABS-CBN Network kicked off as early as July when participating towns were asked for a cook off. “Each dish was made with indigenous ingredients native to their very own town–making every dish original and unique,” Tacderas says.

Now with 100 towns competing to have the country’s number one dish, Eden’s 100 Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas will bring out even more the culinary creativity in every participating town nationwide. “We believe in the natural talent and healthy competitiveness of Filipinos in making nutritious, delicious and affordable meals especially during this Christmas season,” Tacderas says. “That is why we leave the rest of the nation to vote for and decide who deserves to be the town that will be most recognized,”

Last year, Kraft Eden gave the celebration of Misa de Gallo a cheesy twist by feeding churchgoers for 9 mornings in 9 different cities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, in 9 different churches with 9 carefully selected Filipino recipes. “This year, we aimed to invite a hundred because during this season of merrymaking– the more really is merrier,” Tacderas shares.

1 Nation. 1 Festive Season. 1 Grand Yuletide Feast.

With a natural love and passion for food, this pioneering celebration isn’t merely a competition. Moreover, it brings the entire nation together in time to share the tastiest of Yuletide tidings. “Christmastime is a time wherein sharing is found most prominent especially among families,” Senior Brand Manager Anna Sapitan discusses. “Through this, we wanted to unite the country together as one big family with a common love for Christmas feasting,”

–

As a country that is known to be naturally warm and generous, Kraft Eden also aims to share Christmas joy and faith to every Filipino across the nation. “We selected towns precisely because we wanted to reach out from the most popular ones up to the less recognized ones–in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” Sapitan says.

Underscoring an optimistic, festive and delightful Christmas for everyone in the country, this year, Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas, strengthens the Yuletide spirit alive for each Filipino across the world.

1 Proud Country to Inspire the Whole World

“Apart from bringing the entire nation together during this celebration, we believe that this will also inspire the rest of the world on how passionate we Filipinos are when it comes to food,” Sapitan claims.

Being the world’s first longest Christmas celebration, this event pushes food tourism to a whole new level. “The Filipinos’ natural knack at creating scrumptious, healthy and budget-friendly meals makes, I believe makes us world-class,” Sapitan shares. With the country’s unique brand of culinary creativity, the world will surely want to get a taste of what our country has to offer.

“Having 100 towns nationwide create 100 unique cheese-based dishes will entice our friends from abroad to come and experience the country for themselves,” Tacderas says.

With the Spirit of Christmas ignited as early as September 4 and kept alive until the first Sunday of January 2011, the country is sure to make a mark in Christmas history the world-around. Moreover, the Yuletide warmth and joy spread by the country’s well-loved cheese among Filipino families nationwide will empower and unite the country even more.

“Christmas really is the best time to be closer to our loved ones and to extend our love and faith to one another,” Tacderas explains. “And to have this culminating event is a way for all of us to end the year with great joy and start the next with utmost optimism,”

Vote for your town and help them realize their simple community wish by winning 2M in support fund and 100,000 for yourself. Send an Eden carton and be counted. Visit www.sarapngpasko.com or call 72-PASKO for more details.

Campaign for the participating town in Pasig City!

Pasig City is known as the capital of Rizal before Metro Manila was formed. The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), one of the most exclusive universities in the country and the headquarters of San Miguel Corporation, owner of the largest producer of beer in the Philippines can be found here.

An interesting fact is that Pasig City is known for the legend of Pasig River which used to be an important transport route of the Spaniards in Manila. The river connects the famous Laguna de bay and Manila Bay. It is also the home of one of the oldest edifices in Metro Manila, the Immaculate Conception Church.

Their dish: Sweet and Sour Cheese Tofu.

What could be an easier dish to prepare (sweet and sour sauce made from scratch, anybody can cook it at their home) but excites the tastes buds (cheese is always wonderful) with a note of healthy bid (because of the tofu) than sweet and sour cheese tofu?

Kraft Eden Keso De Gallo Album

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 100 days of Christmas, 100 unique dishes, 2010, campaign, cheese, event, exclusive, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, Geiser Maclang, Kraft Eden Keso de Gallo, Kraft Eden Sarap ng Pasko, launch, location, Makati, Mall of Asia, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, MOA, One Nation, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, Promo, promotion, recipe, review, September 4, SM, Taste Manila, tree lighting, vote for Pasig City, vote for your town, votes, where

New Levi’s Jeans Collection for Women: Love Your Genes by Getting the Right Fitting Jeans

August 9, 2010 by Janey

Women come in all shapes and sizes –in different forms and curves. No matter how much we try to lose weight or gain weight to perfectly fit in a pair of jeans, finding the perfect pair still eludes us. Levi’s Strauss and Co. invited some women to an intimate gathering one Saturday to talk about what women generally believe in, whether in advocacy, lifestyle, dream or finding the denim pair that suits them.

The event started with a fun activity of creating an “I Believe” board or mood board. It felt crafty and productive (and even therapeutic!) to cut out items from magazines and design them on your “I Believe” board using your own creative style. Each of our “I Believe” boards depicted our own lifestyle and it also helped us visualize our dreams. Visualizing as they say moves you an inch closer in pursuing your goals. The guests, sharing their thoughts on their dream boards, all had lovely smiles on their faces –genuine marks of how pleasant the activity was.

As for my “I Believe” board:

I believe that people should have an appetite for the good life while striving to achieve the best things. That’s one of the things that the Between Bites site stands for. Whether it’s a bite of food, travel, reading, music, circumstance, a memorable moment, hope or anything in between, there’s always something to be happy about in life.

I’ve tagged my mood board with Lit Chick and the statement, “Discover the perfect fit that makes you lit!” Never mind if the perfect fit means an ideal partner for you, a gadget you’ve been wanting to purchase, clothes you’ve been meaning to romp on your life’s ramp, the paying job that makes you happy or circle of friends that you can trust and be yourself with… whatever it is, it’s great to find something or someone that makes us light up.

Why not create your own “I Believe” board? 🙂 Might be a dose of inspiration for you.

Right after the “sharing” and women-bonding, we all partook in a tasty lunch at Cav while we continued to exchange stories and updates.

On the Table:

Young Arugula Salad

Watermelon, Cherry Tomato Confit, Parmesan Crisp

Twice Cooked Pork Belly

Garlic Potato Puree, Haricot Bundles, Madeira Jus

Flourless Chocolate

Flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream

When the hearty lunch was consumed, it was time for the “fit” measurement at the makeshift dressing room. Some ladies, including moi, were quite apprehensive about getting “measured” after filling ourselves up. But our worries and fears were put aside when we discovered that the custom fit pants they’re launching will be based on our natural shape instead of size. First time I’ve heard of such thing. I’ve grown accustomed to getting my waistline size when hunting for jeans.

Levi’s® has started a campaign driven to help women find the best-fitting and most perfect pair of jeans. They have studied the body shapes of over 60,000 women around the world and through this, Levi’s® created revolutionary custom-fit denims that are based on shape that celebrates straight figures, frames perfect proportions and honors genuine curves.

The new Levi’s Jeans Collection for Women has custom-fit denims that:

Defines your waist and accentuates your curves without a muffin top.
Flatters your waist and smoothens your shape.
Hugs your waist without gaping or pulling.

What an innovation if it answers most of women’s denim problems.

I got measured and was handed a pair of skinny jeans. One try and voila, I didn’t have to try any other pair. Excellent huh? It is for me because jeans is the most tiring clothing piece to shop for. If I got different pants to try on, then that takes a lot of pulling pants and removing them and re-wearing my clothes. It’s quite a workout. That’s why I’m glad that I was able to find my pair of denimwear in a snap (thanks Peach for measuring me)! 😉

Women can now be comfortable with their given genes whether they have curvy curves or semi-curves. There’s a custom-fit denim that matches your natural body curves! Stand tall, be proud and shake what your momma gave you! 😀

Levi’s has been strongly associated with men’s jeans for the longest time because it’s the dependable brand that’s been trusted by men. This time, Levi’s unlocked the ingenuity behind women’s jeans and has created jeans made to fit the curve of a woman’s body. Say ta-tah to those ill-fitting bottoms because every woman now just got to make room for the greatest fitting pair of jeans ever to hit your closet! Go to the nearest Levi’s® store or outlet near you, get measured and grab a pair! 😉

Levi’s Event at Cav Album

—

2 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 000 women, 60, address, best, best-fitiing, body curve, brand, campaign, CAV, clothes, Contest, curve, denim dilemma, denimwear, dream board, event, fashion, fashion blog, fashion blogger, fashion blunder, fashion event, faux pas, fit, fitting, frames perfect body proportions, genuine curves, hunting, I Believe board, Innovation, inspiration, jeans, latest, Levi's, Levi's branches, Levi's Jeans Collection for Women, Levi’s Strauss and Co, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, Lit Chick, love your curves, magazines, mall, Manila, men's jeans, mood boards, most perfect jeans, NEO, new Levi's for Women, news, Nuffnang, Ogilvy, outlets, partner, perfect fit, perfect match, perfect pair of jeans, Philippines, promotion, revolutionary custom-fit denims, sample, shape, shopping mall, skinny jeans, solution, stores, straight figures, study, system, Taste Manila, website, what brand, win a pair of jeans, win a pair of Levi's, winner, women's curve

Greenwich Pizza Levels UP!

January 7, 2010 by Janey

Other than Monday, midweek is usually the busiest time of the week. But you just got to make time for dinner when you get an invite from Arpee to meet the Greenwich brand and PR execs –the folks who got us laughing watching the “sobrang cheesy” advertisements. Smiling at the thought of Bubba giving his “sobrang cheesy!!!” remark with that cheesy facial expression of his 🙂

(Azrael of www.azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com with Lace of www.styleandrelax.blogspot.com)

Now, the Greenwich team is back with more power and more supremacy. The country’s favorite pizza chain, Greenwich, who gives the most scrumptious blend of delicious and exciting pizza (remember Sisig pizza? I was a fan!) and pasta innovations, recently launched the new Ultimate Hawaiian Overload –declaring it to be the best Hawaiian pizza in the country today! Why? Because it has double the Hawaiian toppings you love –double the flavor, double the fun! Definitely, nag-level up na sa sarap!

Other Greenwich favorites!

We got an exclusive (hot off the “editing room”) viewing of their new campaign. See local movie stalwart John Lloyd Cruz like you’ve never tasted seen him before! Ibang level talaga! 😉

The New Ultimate Hawaiian Overload is available at close to 250 Greenwich stores nationwide. Metro Manila Delivery hotline is 5-55-55.

Dine in/ Take out prices:

Rolled Edge double, family P265, P419

Thin & Crispy double, family P225, P379

Party Square P455

Even their pizza boxes leveled-up!!!! Check out the design from Team Manila! 😉

Photo from Azrael: http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com

Your regular pizza flavor is not so standard anymore –so upgrade your bud’s expectation and level-up your taste to the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload!!!

Related Post

Style and Relax

Azrael’s Merryland

Fritzified

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2x, Ads, advertisement, award, awarded, barkada, barkadas, best food blog, brand, campaign, card, Celebration, cheese, delicious, delivery, discount, double, exclusive, fast food, Film, flavor, food, food bloggers, Greenwich, Greenwich Pizza, ham, Hawaiian toppings, hot off the editing room, hot off the press, John Lloyd Cruz, laughing, launch, loyalty, Marketing, movie star, new campaign, new commercial, new movie, new product, newest, number, Online, order, Pasta, photos, pineapple, pizza, PR, press release, price, Promo, remark, restaurant, sobrang cheesy, taste, team, Team Manila, title, toppings, trip, twice, Ultimate Hawaiian Overload, Vacation, videos, viral, yummy

8 to Educate Campaign and the Virlanie Foundation

November 3, 2009 by Janey

I’ve written before that a child’s smile can make a world of difference.

My sister Joyce will forever have a child’s smile. And that makes me lucky. She makes me look differently at the world.

There are hundreds/thousands of children out in the street. How can WE make a difference to their world?

Children’s Month draws to a close in the Philippines and we’re reminded of the importance of education in the lives of the country’s children. Virlanie Foundation, Inc and eight high-end restaurants in Serendra and along Bonifacio High Street in Global City, Taguig have partnered on a new campaign to highlight education for those who perhaps need it the most: street children.

From now until December 31st, 2009, eating at any one of the eight participating restaurants will help educate a street child. Arama, Cav, Chelsea, Cupcakes by Sonja, Fu, Healthy Kitchen, Sentro 1771 and Xocolat will make a donation to Virlanie for every designated menu item ordered. Eager to participate in the campaign, the staff of each restaurant has been learning about Virlanie and its eight educational initiatives.

Chelsea’s Mac and Cheese

Fu’s Dimsum Platter

Sentro 1771’s Chicken

Sentro 1771’s Catfish Adobo Flakes

Xocolat’s Organic Cacao Drink

I personally like Sentro 1771, Fu and Chelsea and will definitely visit these places, dine there and order the food listed to help them donate.

Virlanie and its campaign partners are keen that concern for education extends beyond mealtimes and they’ve made it easy for patrons to support the education of a street child from only PHP800 per month.

Virlanie Foundation is a private non-sectarian child-caring institution in Manila. Its cares for street children who are abandoned, abused, made to work and are found living in the streets. They’re welcomed into its homes. Annually it cares for more than 300 children in its 12 homes and last year cared for 700 more through its outreach programs.

Support for Virlanie’s cause comes from many quarters. For a year already, world famous singer Billy Crawford, has been the foundation’s Goodwill Ambassador. Recruited by founder Dominique Lemay, Billy has seen Virlanie’s work up close: “I visited the homes and it’s really impressive how these kids are being taken care of. It’s all year round, not just for the Christmas season.” Billy freely admits that “I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t been ‘in need’ at some point in my life… and it’s on those crucial times when any helping hand is always a blessing.” Billy understands the importance of education and backs Virlanie on its newest campaign to come to the aid of the city’s most vulnerable children.

Album

RSCC Orphanage Feeding Program

06 1223- Goody Bag Project

Hospicio de San Jose Album

Related Post:

A Child’s Smile

A Child’s Smile Part Deux

Hospicio de San Jose

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and 12 Cups of Advocacy

Madz and Project Brave Kids

Sharing on Your Birthday

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 12 homes, 8 to Educate Campaign, advocacy, Arama, awareness, best blog, best blogger, blog help, Bonifacio High Street, campaign, cause, CAV, charity, charity blog, chelsea, child care, Children’s Month, Christmas season, CNN Hero, country, Cupcakes by Sonja, discount, donation, DSWD, Eat to Educate, education, educational initiatives, food blog, foster care, foundation, Fu, graduates, Healthy Kitchen, help, helping while eating, highlight, importance of education, kids, Metro Manila, mobile learning, non-profit, organization, participating, percentage, Philippines, PHP800, portion, promotion, raising awareness, Restaurants, RSCC, Sentro 1771, serendra, sponsor, sponsoring, street children, street education, student, Taste Manila, Virlanie, Virlanie Foundation, White Cross, Xocolat

Restoring Hope for the Nation: NoyNoy Aquino to Run for 2010 Presidency

September 9, 2009 by Janey

Manila News Today: 09-09-09

Restoring Hope for the Nation

Sen. Benigno Aquino III, known to many as “NoyNoy”, the only son of former President Cory Aquino and national hero, Ninoy Aquino, officially announced this morning his acceptance of the people’s call for him to run for president in 2010.

Sen. Aquino made the announcement of his candidacy at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City –the very same site where former President Aquino took her oath as president in 1986. It was also the same venue where Sen. Mar Roxas held a press conference to announce that he is making the ultimate sacrifice to give way to Sen. Aquino. September 9, 2009, is also the 40^th day after the death of his late mother, the icon of faith and democracy.

Sen. Aquino, who looked calm and strong-willed, declared that he is accepting the voice of the people and will continue his parents’ fight to restore “real” democracy in the country. He accepts the challenge to lead in this fight by running in the coming elections.

NoyNoy’s sisters, Ballsy, Pinky, Viel and Kris along with their families were present during the announcement, a strong sign of their full pledge support for NoyNoy’s decision.

Liberal Party members Senators Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Francis Pangilinan, former Sen. Franklin Drilon, Quezon Representative Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III, former congressmen Florencio “Butch” Abad and Nereus Acosta, former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Leah Navarro of the Black and White Movement were also present.

Sen. Aquino generously welcomed a few questions from the media, to which he answered fearlessly and with conviction. He also mentioned that he has offered Sen. Roxas to be his vice-presidential running mate and is only awaiting the latter’s decision on the matter. Other items he mentioned that he will look at is education and the repetitive traditional books we feed the youth, re-establishing the justice system across all classes (poking at the current justice structure for the rich and well-connected) and restoring hope for the nation.

—

5 Comments Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: "Noy Noy for President", 12 senators, 2009, 2010 elections, 40th day, 8am, ANC. ABS, announced, announcement, Aquino family, Ballsy, Benigno Aquino III, breaking news, Butch Abad, campaign, carmelites, CD store, channel 7, Chiz Escudero, Club Filipino, conviction, country, coverage, death of his late mother, declare, declared, education, exclusive, Father, fearless, Final, first, for the rich and well-connected, GMA, governance, Grade 5, his running mate, how strong, Interview, jesuits, justice structure, Kiko Pangilinan, Korina Sanchez, Kris Aquino, Kris real reaction, Lakas coalition, legacy, Legarda, Liberal Party, live streaming, Malacanang, Manila, Manila News Today, Mar Roxas, media, media reaction, morning, network, Ninoy Aquino, Noy Noy Aquino to Run for President in 2010, NoyNoy accepts president, official, palace, Philippine politics, Philippines, Photo, photos, political blog, political insight, political will, position, prayers, president, President Cory Aquino, President Macapagal Arroyo, presidential candidate, Press Conference, response, restoring hope for the nation, review, Rodolfo Biazon, Senator, Senator Noy Noy Aquino, senatorial race, September, September 9, Sharon Cuneta, spokesman, standard bearer, system, tandem, Taste Manila, traditional books, transcript, update, vice presidential running mate, video coverage, Viel, winner, youth, Zamboanga

Clinton Bridges Between North Korea and US

August 6, 2009 by Janey

Former United States President Bill Clinton was instrumental in freeing two U.S. journalists who were detained for almost 5 months in North Korea. His recent visit to Pyongyang helped in the successful release of reporters Euna Lee, 36, a South Korean born US citizen and Laura Ling, 32, a California native.

The journalists were arrested near the North Korean-Chinese border in March while on a reporting trip for Current TV, a media outfit founded by former Vice President Al Gore. Kim Jong II pardoned the women who were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for entering the country illegally and supposedly engaging in “hostile acts”.

Clinton was reported to have apologized on behalf of the women and their grief-stricken families and relayed President Barack Obama’s gratitude.

Image Source: Associated Press

However, Secretary Clinton said at a news conference today in Nairobi that no apology was made to North Korea in connection with her husband’s mission to gain the reporters’ release.

2 weeks ago, North Korea insulted Hillary Clinton by calling her a “funny lady.”

Tensions have been increasing between North Korea and the U.S. due to illicit nuclear-arms program of North Korea. The heightened friction between the two was created by North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests. Kim Jong II also seems to be belligerent in continuing negotiation talks.

Will the visit contribute to a deepening relationship between North Korea and the United States? Will this event open renewed discussions to abandon nuclear weapons program or is it only delaying the foreseeable conflict between the two countries?

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 12 years, activity, airplane, apology, attack, BBC, Bill Clinton, Bloomberg, breaking news, bridge, California, campaign, captive, clash of civilization, closed doors, CNN, confidential, denies, detain, detained, detention, discussion, exclusive, family, former President, granted, gratitude, hard labor, Hillary Clinton, hostile acts, illegal entry, illicit nuclear-arms, interview after, journalists, Kim Jong II, launch, Laura Ling, Lee, Lisa Ling, meeting, negotiation, news conference, next, nuclear, nuclear-arms, pardon, President Barack Obama, pressure, programs, relief, reporters, reunited, role, run, sentence, South Korea, take back, tension, tensions, top secret, U.S., under the table, United States, Vice President Al Gore, war, Washington, what happened

Meeting a Woman of Faith

August 3, 2009 by Janey

It was a Thursday, which means a workday. I remember that I almost begged off joining because I’ve already max-ed out my leaves because I took a 1-month leave for the study tour in Japan.

I was with someone else (SE) in 2006. He said that I should take the opportunity to meet her because “it’s not everyday that we get invited to a trip like this.”

We arrived at her house in Times Street, Quezon City early in the morning.

I think it was Tita Ballsy who welcomed us initially and directed us to the kitchen where she was.

I see a yellow figure turn to greet us. I am nervous. I am awkward. I am excited.

She first turns her attention to Tita (SE’s mom). Then she greets SE fondly. Tita introduces me. I nervously return her bright smile.

It was the first time I met former President Aquino.

She seemed to be always formal on TV.

Serious.

Tackling national issues are considerable matters after all.

But that morning, she was like any ordinary person, simply offering us breakfast on the table and welcoming us to their home.

Genuine.

Her earnest personality transcends beyond television. You can feel the sincerity in her eyes and smile.

She made cream cheese with caviar, a concoction she made herself. We had it with some bread and it was really luscious.

She was cheerful and as sunny as her yellow ensemble. I was feeling really timid being in the same presence of such prominence. But the atmosphere around her was very light and easy. With all that she has been through, it was an aura I didn’t expect.

Soon all of us load inside the van and we begin our travel.

She, Tita and Tita Ballsy talk all the way to the province of Tarlac. Once a while, she turns to SE or me. She asks me where I was working and I fumble in my answer. Incredibly, I stammer even with the word, “Yes.” She has that calming presence but I felt really humbled to be face to face with a democracy stalwart.

As we reach the town proper, they familiarize us with the surroundings. We had a quick stopover for lunch at Max’s. Her being there equally astounded the wait staff but anyone can spot the Filipino pride in their eyes as they look at her. She relentsto a reporter’s request for a short interview and some photos while SE and I look around.

We arrived at Hacienda Luisita and was greeted by Noy Noy, who personally toured us around the Ninoy Aquino museum.

At the end of the tour, we went to the mini-theater and watched in full screen a documentary about Ninoy Aquino and the hardships the family and the country had gone through to restore democracy. The Aquino family’s sacrifice alongside the country’s support and unity rekindled my nationalistic pride and instilled appreciation for being a free country. At the end of the short film were words of Teodoro Benigno (SE’s dad), former Press Secretary of President Aquino. Tears fell remembering Tito.

I took a lot from that day –a monumental piece of Philippine history was left implanted in my mind while the national unity displayed was left valued in my heart. How inspiring that despite what she has gone through, Tita Cory remained very simple and sensible. At any given day, she can pass like any ordinary loving mother or Tita or lola. When the country is in crisis, she was also our go-to-person for moral ascendance. She was a source of strength for every Filipino.

August 1, 2009

Corazon Aquino, the Philippine’s first woman president who led the Filipino people toward democracy, died in the quite morning of August 1, 2009. She succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 76.

I mourn not only for the loss of someone I was privileged to meet once in my life but my heart deeply cries for losing the woman who symbolizes hope for this country. She was an icon of democracy, nationalism and motherhood.

She was a woman of courage and faith.

It’s now time for every Filipino to carry the cross of the country for her. It is in each one of us.

There’s still a good fight ahead.

A Day with the President Album

Related Post

Manila News Today

False Reports on Cory Aquino

1 Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: Alfredo Lim, apologize, better, Bill Clinton, breaking news, Britain, British Embassy, campaign, cancer, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Chinese community, Cojuangco, colon cancer, community, Cory Aquino, coverage, crying, cure, current, date, death, Department of Foreign Affairs, DFA, exclusive, extends, faith, family, family reaction, family secret, family’s reaction, floor, Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown, forgive, former President, Former Supreme Court associate justice Adolf Azcuna, Friends, fuming mad, healing mass, health, her latest condition, Holiday, hospital, hospital room number, how, ICU nurse, ICU room number, Intensive Care Unit, Interview, inventory, investigate, Kris Aquino, letter, live streaming, Makati, Makati Medical Center, Manila City Hall, Manila Mayor, mass, message, Movie, Mrs. Aquino's trusted aide Marge Juico, nation-building, news, nurse, open, PGMA, Photo, photos, platform, Pope, prayer, praying, recalls, report, reporting, reports, room number, rumor, script, secret, secrets, sect, security, Senator, share, SMS, speaker, spokesman, spokeswoman, spread, staff, stage, stage 4, Television, text message, the Pope expressed his "spiritual closeness, TV, UK, United Kingdom, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Vatican City, Video, website, when, where, who started, who was behind it, wildfire, woman of courage, write up

False Reports on Cory Aquino

July 24, 2009 by Janey

The Aquino and Cojuangco families are already stricken with intense worry over former President Corazon Aquino’s health and definitely have no room for any additional worry particularly rumors that their loved one and the nation’s democracy icon has passed away.

The British Embassy in Manila sent to reporters a statement from Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown extending his deepest condolences to the family, which is undoubtedly careless and irresponsible. This brought a text pandemonium saying that the President had indeed died.

Even if the British Embassy in Manila gave another statement sending their apology for such “pre-mature information,” it is utterly inexcusable that such scenario happened. The families together with the whole nation are gripped with fear of losing a brave democratic stalwart to colon cancer. It is reprehensible to diffuse hopes with a mistake like that.

The nation still continues to pray for the ailing leader’s condition as well as for the families to not waver in their faith no matter how trying this time is.

I love Cory and I admire her love for this nation. She has irrefutable faith that carried on the strength for nation building. It is time that we be strong in our faith for her -faith in her health, faith in God’s will and faith in this country.

3 Comments Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: Alfredo Lim, angry, apologize, better, Bill Clinton, breaking news, Britain, British Embassy, campaign, cancer, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Chinese community, Cojuangco, colon cancer, community, Cory Aquino, coverage, cure, current, date, death, Department of Foreign Affairs, DFA, exclusive, extends, faith, family, family reaction, family secret, family’s reaction, floor, Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown, forgive, former President, Former Supreme Court associate justice Adolf Azcuna, Friends, fuming mad, healing mass, health, her latest condition, Holiday, hospital, hospital room number, how, ICU nurse, ICU room number, Intensive Care Unit, Interview, investigate, Kris Aquino, letter, Makati, Makati Medical Center, Manila City Hall, Manila Mayor, mass, message, Mrs. Aquino's trusted aide Marge Juico, nation-building, news, nurse, open, PGMA, Photo, photos, platform, Pope, prayer, praying, report, reporting, reports, room number, rumor, script, secret, secrets, sect, Senator, share, SMS, speaker, spokesman, spokeswoman, spread, staff, stage, stage 4, Television, text message, the Pope expressed his "spiritual closeness, TV, UK, United Kingdom, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Vatican City, Video, website, when, where, who started, who was behind it, wildfire, write up

My Secret Santa: Manila’s Biggest Kris Kringle Celebration

November 19, 2008 by Janey

Year in and year out, party after party, the art of exchanging gifts has fallen into a creative rut as presents become more predictable, and recipients whittled down to a selected few.

Luckily, trendy French cafe Delifrance is adding a dash of daring and a large dose of generosity to the usual kris kringle, turning it into a metro-wide phenomenon.

With just a click on the My Secret Santa website (www.mysecretsanta08.com), Filipinos can shed off those tired Christmas hats and don, instead, a Secret Santa suit with a bottomless sack of freebies to give away.

“The My Secret Santa campaign is the first and biggest kris kringle celebration Metro Manila has ever been,” says William Tan-Untiong, President of Delifrance Philippines. “We have removed all the usual constraints of gift-giving. Now, everyone can become a Secret Santa and send delectable Delifrance treats to as many of their friends and loved ones. And yes, it’s all for free.”

Secret Santas partaking in this grand holiday gesture can choose from two special goodies: Almond Star Cookies (available from November 10 to 23) and Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti (available from November 24 to December 7).

Almond Star Cookies are almond-topped, gluten-free cookies that are a delightful cross between a light macaron and a sweet meringue. As a playful twist to the classic German Christmas cookie, the Almond Star Cookies can charm the most discerning sweet lovers in town.

Meanwhile, the Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti can turn up the holiday cheer with its choco-nutty goodness. Paired off with a steaming cup of Delifrance espresso, the Chocolate Almond Biscotti becomes an invigorating treat for those late-night coffee chats.

“My Secret Santa is more than just virtual greetings. Everyone who receives an e-mail gift coupon can redeem it for real treats at participating Delifrance stores in Metro Manila,” explains Tan-Untiong. “What’s great also is how the cycle of giving and receiving repeats itself. Those who get a gift from a Secret Santa can become one themselves by paying forward their goodies, so to speak. This makes for a wonderful spirit of gift-giving.”

With its My Secret Santa campaign, Delifrance is set to create Manila’s biggest kris kringle celebration-a feat that makes this Christmas memorably sweet for all Filipinos.

To participate in the My Secret Santa campaign, simply log on to www.mysecretsanta08.com. For additional questions and inquiries, please contact the Main Office at 642-0021. Visit Delifrance branches at AIM Conference Center, Glorietta, Insular Life Bldg, RCBC Plaza, SM Makati, Ayala Tower 1, Valero Makati, Zeta Building Legazpi Village Makati, Robinsons Place Manila, U.N. Avenue, Festival Supermall, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, The Podium, C5 Libis, St. Luke’s, Greenhills Theater Mall, Roosevelt Greenhills, Philippine Heart Center, Shell SLEX Southbound, Shell SLEX Northbound, Shell NLEX, NAIA – Domestic, NAIA 2 – International, NAIA – Old Domestic, NAIA 3, and International School Manila.