Bayani Brew

We’ve been seeing Bayani Brew under the beverage section of many restaurant menus.  Bayani Brew traces its origins from the native formulations introduced by the mothers of the Gawad Kalinga community in the GK Enchanted Farm.

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It advocates the use of indigenous ingredients such as lemongrass, pandan and sweet potato tops which are the main ingredients of “Bayani Brew Classic” and “Bayani Brew Purple Leaf.”  Bayani Brew Classic’s shelf life is 3 months from the production date at room temperature while Bayani Brew Purple Leaf’s shelf life is 1 month from the production date at room temperature.  Retail price is at P45.

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Bayani Brew was inspired by the nation-building movement of Gawad Kalinga, which set up the GK Enchanted Farm pilot site in Bulacan as a village university, social tourism destination and incubator of social enterprises.  They have transformed a once-abandoned, barren wasteland into fields of abundance.  It’s great because it kills that poverty-mentality and inspires the rest of the community and other communities to be entrepreneurial.

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The Cheese Steak Shop NOW in Manila

 

If you have heard of, or better yet, have eaten at The Cheese Steak Shop in San Francisco, then you’d be over the moon to know that a local franchise has opened in Manila.  The first store opened in 1982 and they have been serving authentic “Real Philly” cheese steaks ever since.  Yep, these Philly cheese steak sandwiches have even passed and pleased Philadelphians’ taste buds.  Its authenticity apparent from the special ordered Amoroso rolls and Tastykakes shipped directly from Philadelphia. 

 The Cheese Steak Shop Philly Menu Makati

The Cheese Steak Shop in Manila uses also the same rolls from Amoroso’s Bakery as well as peppers and Tastykakes imported from Philadelphia.  Between quality meats and cheeses, quality is also observed in the process of preparing and serving these tasty and mouthwatering cheese steaks.

The Cheese Steak Shop Philly Menu Makati

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Glutamax Unveils Its New Endorser in La Greta

 

 

Photo Credit:

http://www.earthlingorgeous.com

http://www.yousaytoo.com 

http://www.carloscpalma.com/

 

Glutamax revealed its new endorser last Wednesday at the Eastwood Central Plaza.  Gretchen Barretto is now the new face of Glutamax, replacing Jinky Oda “Jacqui O.” who the brand originally launched with.  The TV ad campaign was also presented in the same event showing Gretchen taking off make-up, jewelry and pricey dress signifying that she shines without all of that only attributed to one reason… what she referred to as her “hidden wealth” –beautiful glowing skin (“Kutis Mayaman”).  That “hidden wealth” she mentioned is a sharp line to end the ad with, biting yet witty.

 

 

And according to her, what helps her maintain that beautiful white glow is Glutamax.  More of her interview during the event, she shares that she is very happy to be part of the new campaign and be part of the Glutamax family.

 

 

Before the big reveal, the first part of the event was the awarding of “The New Me” Blog Contest.  Jose Paul Legaspi, Healthwell president and CEO, partnered with Nuffnang (www.nuffnang.com), Asia Pacific’s biggest online community network company to stage this blog contest about “personal transformation”, which is part of their global promotional campaign for Glutamax.

 

Learning about the contest from the Nuffnang’s site, I joined with my “The New Me” entry.  Before they announced the winners, a string of wonderful music filled the event venue with Nyoy Volante, Julie Ann Santos (I’m not sure if I got the name right) and popular Filipino violinist Jon Lesaca taking the stage.  A segment of the program also showcased a slideshow of the contest participants flashing their “Before and After” photos in the wide screen.  Mojo and Suzie of Magic 89.9 hosted that evening’s Glutamax event.  Friends from the media were also present.

 

 

The esteemed Glutamax team went on stage and welcomed Gretchen Barretto to their family.  Jon Lesaca went back on stage and serenaded the new endorser at the pleasant request of the latter.

 

 

The night ended with a big buzz when Gretchen supposedly “walked out” of the mini-press conference that was held after the event.  The alleged “walk-out” happened after Gretchen was asked how she feels about her “Maalala Mo Kaya” back-to-back shows being pitted against Claudine’s show in the rival channel.  She vibrantly replied that she was extremely happy and proud that the Barrettos occupy that specific timeslot on Saturdays –implying that there’s more gain than loss for both sisters.  I think the media wasn’t satisfied with the answer and kept prying about how she really feels that made her storm out of the conference apparently with tears in her eyes.

 

—-

 

 

And on a different note, they announced the winners.  Congratulations to:

 

5th Prize: Lizz of http://lizzbuenaventura.com 

http://www.lizzbuenaventura.com/2009/12/new-me.html

4th Prize: Sophie of http://www.beautynomics.com 

http://www.beautynomics.com/blog/2009/12/31/the-new-me/ 

3rd Prize: Jeff of http://www.aspacio.net 

http://www.aspacio.net/2009/12/new-me.html

2nd Prize: http://jonnieanzures.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-me.html 

 

 

 

Until now writing about this, I have butterflies in my stomach remembering the moment they announced the first-prize winner.  I heard Mojo say Jane and say Chua and Sophie cheering and congratulating me… I think in my joy, I even hugged Sophie!  In my mind and heart, I felt like I did hug her (she was beside me) but I’m not really that sure now because everything felt like a blur.  I walked to the stage (shaking) and accepted the prize.  My mind was completely in pieces and when asked the question, I just stuttered my way through the answer –still in disbelief that I won the Mac Book.

 

 

Another highlight of the night for me was my bonding moment with Jed.  Jed is the cute, smart, and sweet son of Jeff and Jen Aspacio who was feeling bad because he thought I left without saying goodbye.  Bubba was so huge that he was covering Jed’s view.  I walked over to a pouting Jed.  I explained that I didn’t leave yet and I would of course say goodbye to him if I left.  I hugged him and said sorry.

 

 

He was quietly pouting for one whole minute… then he suddenly hugged me tight and broke down to tears saying he thought I already left.  After that, we talked about his favorite color and mine, butterfly kisses and his flat whistle and both of us left in a happy, beaming mood.

 

 

Thanks again Nuffnang for holding this contest and Glutamax for picking me as a winner.  I enjoyed writing the piece and I hope the entry truly inspired others take a step towards their own transformation –inside and out.

 

XOXO,

Janey

 

Related Entries:

Nuffnang’s Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Earthlingorgeous’

Marriage and Beyond’s

Literary Bulimia’s

Yousaytoo’s

The New Me

 

GlutaMAX – The New Me

 

Friends, even newfound ones, often remark that I’m noticeably such a happy person.  I wasn’t always like this before.

 

 

 A Vibrant and Visibly Happy Change!

(35 lbs and a couple of shades lighter and happier)

 

Switch to a Lighter You!

 

What’s my beauty secret? 😉

 

Growing up, my dreams were countless.  There were so many things I wanted to do with my life.  At 21, I was already going through a mid-life crisis –castigating myself for not finishing law school.  Feelings of being unappreciated and identity loss in a previous relationship also gave a jarful of insecurity, inadequacy and anxiety.  I was stricken with fear of trying new things at the risk of failure again.

 

  

It didn’t help that I gained almost 30 lbs during a month-long study program in Osaka and Tokyo Japan that brought me to slip to this unhealthy and unhappy persona.  Since I am not supermodel tall (fine, I’m not even average tall 😀 ), being 132 lbs was not the comfortable weight for my height. 

 

 

I had a hard time buttoning my pants, my shirts/tops/dresses became too tight and much emphasis was put on my mid-section that people usually mistake me for being preggers.  My skin also started deteriorating.  Uneven skin tone and dark spots loom on my face.

 

 

I used to dress up in pricey cloaks that I thought covered the untidy chaos within me.  They say shopping is retail therapy –but no amount of shopping can silence the noise inside.

 

One day, I stripped myself naked of the things that were weighing me down.  No more excessiveness, no more self-doubt and fears, or discontentment.  No more measuring myself up to others.  I wrote every word that was negative in me on different rocks and pitched them out the distant sea. 

 

 

It was like taking it out of my system and hurling it away from me.  It was symbolic and therapeutic.  Try it, it is quite a release.  A creative one in fact.  Very ceremonial.  The healing began.

 

 

I even let go of the relationship that I felt impeded my growth.  I welcomed the independence and newfound strength.  I didn’t find the need for striking clothes or late night drinks either. 

 

 

Setting a goal

I started working out diligently at the gym, boxing, cardio-running and toning.  It was very therapeutic to sweat out at the gym and sauna.  I was slowly returning to my comfortable weight. 

 

 

Detoxify

I scheduled a fruit diet day at least once a week to cleanse my digestive system.  Living a healthy lifestyle is the way to go.  Fast foods are excessive in oil.  Junk food only supplied unnecessary calories. 

 

Craft

No matter how difficult life can be.  Happiness is a choice.  The happiest people in life don’t necessarily have the best of everything.  They just try to make the best of everything.  Shaping your body is achieved by working out.  Happiness is achieved by shaping our mind to be positive and see the best in life and in people.  It is very lifting to observe all the wonderful things around us.  An honest smile.  Tender hug.  A family to come home to.  A peso in your pocket.  An old photograph.  Another couple in love.  I even greet my problems with a smile –it is an opportunity for me to learn and grow and test the mettle of my strength.  Yes, I feel low from time to time, but it’s no big deal.  I know that in due time, I will be happy again just as surely as the sun rises in the morning.

 

 

Knowing yourself

Self-realization sets in and instead of distinguishing who or what I am not, I began appreciating who I actually am.  Loving yourself is the wisdom to loving other people.  Self-esteem frees us from self-consciousness and self-doubt.  A sound self-esteem allows us to experiment, innovate and try and try again to achieve our goals.  Failures won’t be the gauge anymore of accomplishments, but self-worth is by now my claim of victory.

 

 

The less I care about seeking approval, the more approval I seem to get.  People are drawn to those with a quiet, inner confidence, people who don’t need to make themselves look good, or be “right” all the time, or steal the glory.  Most people love a person who doesn’t need to brag, a person who shares from his or her heart and not from his or her ego or image. 

 

 

It was quite the breakout year for me.  Sheer confidence got me trying out adventure races and a new career path. 

 

 

I took up new hobbies like photography.  I found my wanderlust spirit and traveled to different local and international destinations. 

 

 

And the most wonderful of it all, Love also found me. 

 

                     

We became each other’s source of friendship, inspiration and companionship.  We always enjoy the time when we are together –even to something as ordinary as standing in line or listening to music in the car.  He makes me feel like a natural woman –loving me for every flaw and appreciates me for every inch of my being. 

 

 

The Secret – Clarity

Beautiful skin starts from within.  With a peaceful mind and a happy heart, natural beauty will radiate easily off you.  While staying content, we always strive for excellence.  In the pursuit of perfection, I was introduced to a product that knows skin best.  The new Glutamax Lightening Soap scrubs away my unwanted spots and blemishes while it gently whitens the skin, leaving me feeling fresh and smooth (and smelling great too!).  Taking OUT the dark in me, the transformation turned complete when my skin became lighter as well.  It is so in sync when I feel lighter both inside and outside.  Glutamax effortlessly matches my fresh and vibrant outlook in life. 

 

In mind, body and skin, be completely transformed to the NEW YOU! 

 

Feed the world good energy and good things will gravitate toward you.  Shine with a positive attitude and attract the cheerful vibe.   Glow in love and in beautiful skin too… with Glutamax, lovely and vibrant white skin is at our fingertips. 

 

I fill my heart with love and my mind positive things, and I see the face of success every time I look in the mirror.

 

 (The secret to clarity: Glutamax -Reduced Glutathione Dietary Supplement 500mg. 

Pop it and Radiate 🙂 )

 

Glutamax, see the results! 😉

 

———————————————————————————————–

 

*This is my official entry to the Nuffnang/Glutamax The New Me contest.

 

 

 

Singapore Day 3: IKEA and Connection

 

 

When I woke up, Kate was already at the desk clicking on her laptop.  She was hard at it, working fervently at a career she loves.  She used to be based in Singapore for work but she realized that there’s no place like home and eventually left the Singaporean company to go back to the Philippines.  A few months later, the Singaporean company hired her back –this time, she is working home-based in the Philippines and the emails are her attendance at work.  What a really great break! 🙂

 

She was almost done and she asked me my plans for the day.  I said I had no plans and was thinking of a trouble-free last day in Singapore.  She said she was going to IKEA and invited if I would like to join her.  She wants to buy some stuff from IKEA and meet friends she made in Singapore.  I was suddenly ecstatic!!! 😀

 

You see, I wanted to go to IKEA that I was harping about it the night before in the cab on the way home with Chrissy, Ivy and Jonel.  Since I had no one familiar with the city to go with, I decided against it.  I heard it was a bit far from Link Hotel.  Thank goodness for an angel like Kate, my beloved roomie, and suddenly my Sunday was looking less bleak.  

 

 

Another thing I like being bunked with Kate is, without having to speak, our movements are in such great tango with each other.  She had her space and I had mine and timing in the bathroom between us was seamless –both productive and relaxed. 

 

What made this departure day different though is I usually have my luggage packed the night before and clothes to wear and everything else ready.  But after a fun night with the group much laughing and walking, I plunk-ed on my unmade bed with my water bottle.  I wasn’t able to pack at all –a first in my book actually.

 

Good thing I was able to make haste and packed in 20 minutes (I usually take a leisure hour), just in time Kate finished packing too.  We checked out and placed our luggage in the lobby.  We were crossing the street when I checked my phone and saw Jen’s text message.  I replied and said we were on the way out but will wait for her if she’s ready.  She was all set and 5 minutes later the three of us were on a bus going to our IKEA date.

 

IKEA

 

IKEA was a good 30 minutes from our starting point.  It wasn’t so difficult to get there by commuter bus since Kate was familiar with Singapore.  At one point, it took a while to figure where the express shuttle is but both Jen and I were still at ease with Kate at the front.  We took a train, 2 buses and we were finally at IKEA.

 

 

IKEA was like an enormous warehouse that offers a wide range of well-designed functional home furnishing products at prices so reasonable, both Jen and I did quite some shopping.  We only had an hour before we meet up with Kate again so we really maximized our time –checking only items that really caught our interests and consulting with each other on the price and usability. 

 

 

$1 Breakfast

 

I bought a few items (lamps, rags, photo frame, 1kg Swiss meatballs, chocolates, etc), while Jen’s big purchase was two white fur shrugs for her favorite chair at home.  I ran out of Singapore dollars and my only complaint about IKEA is that they don’t accept US dollars.  Jen and Kate had to lend me some SG money for my purchase.

 

 

It was time to relax when we had lunch at the huge IKEA cafeteria.  Of course, both Jen and I tried the meatballs everyone was raving about.  We also bonded with Kate’s friends from Singapore and asked them about life in the cosmopolitan country.

 

 

Going back was so much easier although we were running out of time because we were supposed to reach the hotel lobby by 3pm.  Stopped by quickly at a money changer shop, had my US changed and paid my dues.  We had a good 20 minutes to spare and since Kate knows I wanted to try Ya Kun Kaya, we looked for it at a nearby mall.  Time is gold and I decided to just concede to trying Singapore’s Toastbox at the ground floor.  Both Jen and I ordered food to go. 

 

 

I also appreciate how easy I got along with Jen.  I’ve been reading her Sexy Nomad site and like her steady positivism and travel spirit as well even before meeting and working briefly on a film project together.  Just the day before, we bonded over breakfast and waiting time at Selangor.

 

We hailed a cab and finally reached the lobby on time.  We were one of the early ones there.  The bus actually left an hour later.  No complaints since Jen, Kate and I had to repack our luggage and hand carry bags to fit in what we just purchased.

 

After repacking, we still had 30 minutes to enjoy leisurely the soft-boiled eggs and kaya toast combination we bought.  Yummy!!!  It wasn’t Ya Kun but it satisfied my kaya and egg craving!!! 😉

 

 

All aboard the bus, we hit our airport destination.  Because of the items I bought from IKEA, I was over the limit weight by 7lbs!  First time it happened to me too but since we were in a big group, I wasn’t too worried.  Not until the ground officer said we couldn’t do a big group check-in, which was a bit weird.  I was getting really concerned… Being quite independent, I was timid to ask people if I could share their weight limit 🙁  I checked how much it would cost me to just take in the extra weight -PHP 7,000!    Gosh, I didn’t want to pay an extra 7 Grand for “pasalubongs.”

After much scurrying, (big thanks to Alodia, Ashley, and Jonel as well as Frances and Fran who tried to help out), Jonel shared my luggage weight and checked in my bag under his name.  *BIG HUG to Jonel*

 

Whew, trouble-free huh 😉