PALABRA DE HONOR

PALABRA DE HONOR

Remember that when you utter words without giving it a value you become a person without a word of honor. 

Question: "At this age and time do you still practice "Palabra de Honor" or "Word of Honor" in simple English?"

SECRET TO SUCCESS

Wink, wink! Oh yes, you are so right, it is the oh so precious palabra de honor! That was my uncle Julian's answer when I asked him how he became a self-made man. It was the secret of his success!

I know, there's no sure formula to success but I know for a fact that in order to be super successful in life, one should never forget his or her word or words he or she had promised to another person or a group of people. 

During one of our many conversations, I still clearly remember my late uncle Julian's words: "Even if you are at a loss or at a disadvantage honor your word"  “

"ln our generation, nobody will respect you if you do not keep your word,"uncle Julian quips.

How I wish people in this time and era still has the same values as my uncle.

It is unfortunate to know that many people will go the extra mile just to break signed contracts and agreements just because of false pride and false success that had gone to their heads.

Some people easily break their word because of various factors such as the following:

• it is their parents’ upbringing
• they never encountered a successful person who have palabra de honor
• or maybe they totally missed values education in their respective schools
• and plausibly, technology.

So, the next time around you transact with people make sure they still practice "Palabra De Honor" so you'll be stress free!

Smile, God loves you!

PHILIPPINES: Official Public Holidays For 2016

PHILIPPINES: Official Public Holidays For 2016

It's been a long while since we had a chance to go on a vacation. That's partly because of our erratic work schedules. It is a good thing that President Noynoy (PNoy), through his staff in Malacañang, has released to the public last Wednesday (August 26) Proclamation No. 1105 dated August 20, 2015. The proclamation lists all the regular holidays and special non-working days for 2016.

Next year, Filipinos can look forward to long weekends on the following dates: January 1 - 3, February 6 - 8, March 24 - 27, August 27 - 29, October 29 - November 1, and December 30, 2016 - January 2, 2017.

January 2, October 31, December 24, and December 31 have been declared as additional special non-working days in order to "strengthen family ties by providing longer New Year, All Saints' Day, and Christmas weekends and promote domestic tourism as well."

Proclamations to declare national holidays for Eid'l Fitr and Eidul Adha will follow after approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined.

Enjoy planning your vacation for next year!

CAFFE BENE: Partners with Lotus Biscoff

CAFFE BENE: Partners with Lotus Biscoff

Good news to all Caffe Bene lovers! South Korea's biggest coffee outlet Caffe Bene has partnered with the world's well-loved biscuit brand Lotus Biscoff. This is like a dream come true for all true-blue coffee and biscuit addicts like me and Kuya B! 

Caffe Bene is offering a special promotion where you get a free Lotus Biscoff with every purchase of a cup of Americano. 

Did you know that the sweet caramelized flavor of Lotus Biscoff goes very well with any cup of coffee because it enhances the coffee’s bitter taste and vice versa.

   

            

Caffe Bene bent backwards to bring to you a wonderful gelato creation that would put any gelato shop to shame. Tada! Presenting Caffe Bene Gelato with Lotus Biscoff! 

Lotus Biscoff Gelato is a mouthwatering frozen treat that has a sweet creamy taste enhanced by Lotus Biscoff bits. Oh, it also comes with a Biscoff cookie!

Geez, these pictures make me want to fly back to Manila at the soonest possible time!

The music "Perfect combination" is now playing inside my head, ha ha ha! 

Lotus Biscoff is more popularly known as Speculoos.  It is the perfect accompaniment to every cup of coffee. The unique taste of Lotus Biscoff stems from the sugar’s caramelization during the baking process. The unique recipe, which adds a hint of cinnamon and other spices, remains the same more than eight decades later since it was first baked in 1932 at a small town called Lembeke in Belgium. The founders of Lotus Bakeries, the Boone brothers, would drive around town in their trademark red truck to deliver their prized biscuits door to door. Then in the 1950's, Lotus introduced the pairing of Lotus Biscoff with a fresh cup of coffee. This soon became part of the everyday Belgian routine in hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops throughout the country. Cafés throughout Europe started serving fresh coffee with biscuits, and Lotus Biscoff becomes “Europe’s Favorite Cookie with Coffee.”

We're not in Manila right now but we would love to visit a Caffe Bene branch in Manila soon and try this wonderful promo!

In South Korea, you'll find a Caffe Bene shop in almost every street corner. That is why, Filipinos who love Koreanovelas are already familiar with the elegant Caffe Bene's interiors long before it opened its doors in the country. 

Bene is actually a Latin word that means good. 

Once you enter a Caffe Bene’s branch, you'll understand why I love this coffee shop. It does not only stand out from the rest with its charming and peaceful ambiance.  

It has actually been voted as one of the top places for book lovers in Metro Manila since the place is very conducive to reading books and working on your laptops, a far cry from the maddening market-like crowds that often loiter other coffee shops.

Caffe Bene is slowly expanding its network in the Philippines. As of this writing, it now has a total of five outlets located in the following areas:

1.  Eastwood City
2.  SM BF Paranaque
3.  SM Clark
4.  Valero Makati; and 
5.  SMX Mall of Asia. 

Two more branches are set to open next year and Caffe Bene has many more collaborations and projects lined up as well, including an eat-all-you-can waffle promotion!

Caffe Bene is having an unlimited waffle and unlimited cafe americano!

The Eat-All-You-Can Waffle promo is available from August 24 to September 24, 2015 for only P350!  So hurry fellow waffle lovers, let's troop to Caffe Bene real soon!

Kudos to Caffe Bene and Lotus Biscoff!

Enjoy your ‪#‎benelovesbiscoff‬ experience

Please like Caffe Bene Ph on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/caffebeneph

DEREK RAMSAY: 100 Percent Epitome of Century Tuna

DEREK RAMSAY: 100 Percent Epitome of Century Tuna

Handsome Filipino-British model, actor, host and former VJ here in the Philippines Derek Arthur Baggao Ramsay is the perfect epitome of Century Tuna.

Authorities have individual considerations when it comes to defining the perfect physique. Most of them agree that more than visual aesthetics and physical proportions, what matters more is good health.  

"In the past, I thought that in order to attain the body of my dreams all I have to do is 100% exercise.  Well, I was wrong.  Because when I tried the 70/30 recommended ratio by experts I was amazed that I attain a firmer, leaner healthier body in no time.  Yes guys, you should  know the balance between diet and exercise , that is 30% exercise and 70% diet," Derek enthuses. 

I believe that every person I know would agree that Derek Ramsay is 100 percent lean and meaty just like Century Tuna!  Plus, it has no extenders, just 100 percent tuna.

My golly, did you know that Derek took my hand so I could feel his pandesal . . . errr . . . six-pack abs! Pandesal is the perfect partner for Century #100PercentTuna.

Derek started eating Century Tuna when he was still a college student in the United States. He confessed that his classmate Leo would bring boxes and boxes of Century Tuna all the way from the Philippines. Derek has been shaping his body for many years now to fit what he considers a lean and mean machine.

Just like Papa Derek, you could start living a fit and healthy lifestyle. Start eating Century Tuna and do 15-minute exercises that you prefer and be fit in no time.  

Some members of the media who won in the raffle. Congratulations guys!

Did you know that Derek often feast on hot and spicy Century Tuna because it is lean and meaty with no extenders?

I do appreciate the people behind Century Tuna because they listen to customer feedback. Century Tuna now comes in easy open can and 50% lite variants meaning 50% less fat and less salt with the same superb taste, oh so perfect for dieting. What are you waiting for? Buy your own stock of Century Tuna now. Malay mo maging kasing ganda ng katawan ni Derek Ramsay ang iyong body!

Happy Day!

Smile Always!

Ballet Manila Presents “From Page to Stage”

Ballet Manila Presents “From Page to Stage”

Hi, peeps! Prepare to be enchanted once again by Ballet Manila’s spectacular shows this coming August!  I am so thrilled and happy to share with you what BM has in store for you for its 20th performance season! BM will be presenting “From Page to Stage” a tale of love, fantasy and adventure. 

Celebrating literature with larger than life characters, story book and dance enthusiasts will be fascinated by Severino Reyes’ “Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.” Paul Vastering’s Romeo & Juliet.” Osias Barroso’s “Pinocchio,” Martin Lawrance’s “Rebel” and Alan Hineline’s “Hansel and Gretel”.

Severino Reyes, “Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang”
Three magical stories about a princess love for a bird, a hero in search of his sisters and the mystery behind an enchanted violin.

Love conquers all in  “Ang Prinsipeng Mga Ibon.” A captivating story of a princess fighting for love amid her father’s disapproval. Choreographed by Osias Barroso with enchanting music by national artists for music as arranged by Mon Faustino.

The adventure continues with “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya” about a young hero’s search for his three bewitched sisters. The piece is choreographed by Ballet Manila Artistic Director Liza Macuja-Elizalde with original music by Joey Ayala.

And finally “ Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin” explores the mystery behind a magical violin transforming an unkind rich man. Choreographed by Tony Fabella, the story is set to music by Ryan Cayabyab.

Lola Basyang is the pen name used Severino Reyes, the founder and editor of Liwayway magazine. Over 400 stories have been produced since he started writing in 1925. The material used for the production is based on Anvil Publihing editions.

Severino Reyes’ "Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” goes onstage at the Aliw Theater on August 21, 22, 28 and 29, at 8pm, and August 23 and 30, at 3pm.

Buy your tickets now before they run out. 

#‎balletmanila‬ ‪#‎20152016season‬ ‪#‎frompagetostage‬

Experience superior sleep with Uratex Premium Mattress

Experience superior sleep with Uratex Premium Mattress

Did you know that getting a full night’s sleep is actually good for your health? A number of studies have shown that sleep affects your well being in different ways. Researchers have found that there is a link between insufficient sleep and serious health problems, such as heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes and obesity. Likewise, lack of sleep lowers your pain threshold, places you at a greater risk for injuries, affects your mood, causes you to be hungrier and eat more, and affects clear thinking.

As a matter of fact according to Dr. Deborah A. Bernardo, Head of the Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center and Chief of the Section of Neurology at St. Luke's Medical Center, "Insomnia is the most common sleep problem. Shift work disorders are getting more common because of the BPO, entertainment and media industry. Obstructive sleep apnea, which manifests as loud snoring and stopping of breathing during sleep, is also very frequently unrecognized."

Uratex, the leader in providing the best sleep solutions, has been supporting the advocacy on the importance of a good night’s sleep. Through tie ups with the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine and with the studies of Dr. Deborah A. Bernardo.

"Sleep is as important as diet and exercise for good health. It is necessary for clear thinking and memory formation, protection of the body against diseases and repair of cells and tissues of the body." Dr. Bernardo elaborates more.

This is the reason why finding the right mattress is important.

Uratex constantly innovates the way people sleep by using the latest in technology, the best design, and luxurious materials. This is called Sleep Science, and it is this discipline that is behind the creation and design of Uratex Premium Mattress Collection.

Uratex Premium Mattress Collection features the best materials for soothing sleep. A variety of state-of-the-art foam are used in creating each mattress, including Senso Memory foam, latex foam, and Hydragel foam. Used in combination with premium pocket springs, Tencel fabric and 3D spacer fabric, you are assured of quiet sleep at the end of the day.

Uratex Premium Mattress has crafted four unique mattress collections that take into account each person’s needs. Each mattress was designed to specifically fit your body’s needs for a more personalized sleep solution.

The Perfect Serenity Collection is the very definition of perfection. The combination of innovative foam and fabric technologies provides tranquil sleep the moment your body touches this mattress. The advanced 3D spacer fabric supplies ample ventilation throughout its surface for constant airflow for a cool, fresh feeling as you sleep. It also ensures that your mattress is clean and fresh even with constant use.

The Senso Memory collection utilizes memory foam that conforms to your body shape to evenly distribute pressure for a more comfortable sleep. The Visco-elastic foam used in this mattress remembers the shape of your body for a personalized sleep experience. The use of Tencel fabric in the main panels also keeps the mattress cool and fresh as you sleep.

The Premium Touch collection combines high performance pocket springs and world-class materials. Each individually wrapped pocket spring follows the shape of your body, even as you turn on your bed. To add comfort, the mattress is topped with natural latex foam to relieve the body’s pressure points. It is covered with Tencel fabric making it soft and smooth to the touch.

For those requiring better support as they sleep, the Orthocare collection supports the body’s key pressure points and keeps them aligned to reduce aches when you wake up in the morning. The inter-connecting cell structure in high-quality foam distributes pressure equally and evenly, letting your body feel relaxed while you sleep. It also uses 3D spacer fabric to keep your mattress cool and fresh, while Tencel fabric adds a soft and smooth feel.

All mattresses under the Uratex Premium Collection are treated with Sanitized, a technology that keeps mattresses free from bacteria or microbes. It protects your body, so you sleep on a mattress that is clean and comfortable.

Uratex Premium Mattress, the leader in the premium bedding industry in the country, and Our Home, the leading home and furniture store, collaborate by providing the public a chic and modern venue for finding the right mattresses for their homes.

Dindo Medina, Uratex Corporate Sales Director, says the partnership between Uratex and Our Home will provide a venue where the public can find sleep solutions that will help improve the quality of their lives.

Medina also shared that Uratex have guests that will share their experiences in using Uratex Premium Mattress. Special guests would be actress-model Solenn Heusaff, 2013 Ms. Universe 3rd Runner-up Ariella Arida, Brazilian model Vanessa Matsunaga, celebrity chef Rolando Laudico, DJs Sam YG, Slick Rick and Tony Toni of Boys’ Night Out, and fashion blogger Camille Co. “These individuals possess unique qualities that have made them role models in their respective fields, the same way that the Uratex Premium Mattress Collection will become the benchmark for luxurious soothing sleep”, concludes Medina.

About Uratex

For superior sleep solutions, visit Uratex Philippines at www.uratex.com.ph, follow twitter @uratexfoam IG Uratex_ph or call 888-6800.For more about Uratex Premium Mattress, call the Uratex Consumer Care Hotline at 888-6800 or visit www.uratex.com.ph

What to do during an earthquake?

What to do during an earthquake?

DROP, COVER, HOLD is your best plan during an earthquake to save your life.  Avoid fire places and the kitchen. Turn off the stove if you happen to be cooking . Don't panic. But don't be complacent.  A 7.2-magnitude earthquake will be so strong it will likely be felt even in cities without the West Valley Fault.

I understand that safer buildings are crucial. But with the non-compliance with building codes and the rampant graft and corruption in our midst, I seriously doubt if the very home where we are living is earthquake-proof.

Each one of us must take precautionary action to protect our homes and properties against earthquakes.

The best way one can survive is to stay as low as you can beside a furniture – that’s beside, not under but if there is a sturdy table then stay under the table, cover your nape and head then hold.

A public service by travelonshoestring.

TAGAYTAY CITY: Best for Cooling Down This Summer Heat

TAGAYTAY CITY: Best for Cooling Down This Summer Heat

How I wish I could go to Tagaytay!  Unfortunately, I had an on-and-off headache the past few weeks :-(  I am not in the best of health these days, that's why I hardly attend events.

Traveling or commuting in this kind of heat is suicide! The bad 42 degrees summer heat that has already killed an American in a resort in Albay is also making the lives of people in Metro Manila a living hell. 

Naks, nakarating na sa impyerno ang peg ha ha ha!.

Pero seriously, this temperature is giving me really bad headaches which are a no no for an aneurysm survivor like me.

My blood pressure is on the high side and nag e error talaga ang digital bp monitor sa sobrang taas ng bp ko! Ilang klase ng gamot ang pinaiinom sa akin ng doctor ko pero parang wa effect.

So, sa inyong lahat alalahanin ninyo health is wealth! Alagaan ang sarili. Love yourself. Take care and enjoy Tagaytay!

Honda Philippines Incorporated Launches Let Your Beat Out Video Contest

Honda Philippines Incorporated Launches Let Your Beat Out Video Contest 

Honda Philippines Incorporated wants you to let your beat out through a video contest until May 28, 2015. 

Hey, JH, you and your pals/classmates can join this contest by simply making a 15 seconds video of yourself. Start the video by stating your name, and the remaining portion should showcase how you do your beat. Like this:

Hear my beat! I am Cha Sy of www.travelonshoestring.com, a ruptured brain aneurysm survivor. Right after my brain...

Posted by Cha Sy on Monday, May 25, 2015

Please like my post at Honda Philippines official site thank you!

As long as it is aspirational you can  go rockin' by joining Honda Motors Philippines latest promo on Facebook, the "Let Your Beat Out" video upload contest.

The promo involves uploading of personal video entries from participants that state their life aspiration, particularly in the areas of 

• Street Sports
• Extreme Sports 
• and even in Music

To choose the best video, 50% of the final score will be based on the number of likes and shares while the remaining 50% will focus on content creativity and uniqueness of presentation.

Uploading of video entries will be from May 18 to May 28, 2015. Include the official hashtag, ‪#‎LetYourBeatOut‬, when uploading entries.

Winners for the various categories will get the chance to share the limelight with the main product endorsers during a launch event entitled "Let Your Beat Out!," happening this coming May 30, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall starting at 4pm. Also up for grabs are VIP Access Passes and exciting Honda Beat Goodies.

The Honda "Let Your Beat Out" launch event will showcase the unveiling of Honda's latest scooter model, which is also powered by the revolutionary Honda's Smart Technology. 

Other electrifying activities in this much-anticipated event include the following:

• Street dance Competition
• 3x3 Street basketball contest
• Skateboard tricks 
• Dunking/Ball Handling exhibition
• and finally a grand scooter ride by Honda's latest product endorsers
• awarding of competition winners.

To join the "Let Your Beat Out" promo, simply "Like" the official Honda Philippines Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/hondaph to be able to upload videos.

MANILA BAY: Picture Perfect on A Hot Summer Day

MANILA BAY: Picture Perfect on A Hot Summer Day

They say nothing is spectacular in Manila except for its people. But the photo I took in Manila Bay proved all of them wrong.

The picturesque Manila bay is a sight to behold.

LAKE SEBU: Punta Isla Day Tour

LAKE SEBU: Punta Isla Day Tour

On my first day at Lake Sebu, I decided to visit Punta Island together with my newfound friends Tita Linda Weaver and her grandchild Moonie.

MY TAKE ON TILAPIA PHOTOGRAPHY at PUNTA ISLA,  FRESH TILAPIA FOR SALE at P170 per kilo

I super like the Tilapia Pond at Punta Isla! The above picture shows how a curious tilapia emerges from the pond and looks straight at my camera. Huli ka!

Punta Isla serves fantastic tilapia straight from the ponds with rice and coffee for breakfast. You should try it even once.

Nipa hut adorned with eye-catching colorful flowers.

I learned from one of the staff that you can rent various cottages such as the Rosal Cottage for a very cheap price.

The crocs in Punta Isla is the exact replica of the crocs at my Tita's farm house in Davao. So cute!

Punta Isla has a floating restaurant. This is a good option for moneyed guests because they can eat while enjoying the view of the lake.

VIEW FROM THE SUNSET DECK OF PUNTA ISLA

I super love the sunset view at Punta Isla. I wish to come back again at Lake Sebu in the future.

LAKE SEBU: Very cheap accommodation

LAKE SEBU: Very cheap accommodation 

With a very limited budget, I was really afraid that my money won't last long enough to cover my expenses for a few days in my Mindanao sojourn.

It was a good thing that my new-found friend Tita Linda Weaver knew exactly where to bring me. She brought me to the government-run accommodation in Lake Sebu called Tourism Lodge.

It only costs me Php60.00 per night per bed. 

What a steal!

You too should try it! 

This is the P60.00 per night per bed in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

I learned that Tourism Lodge offers various accommodation such as the following:

Suite Room

1 room Available

2 person capacity

Price is only Php300

Dormitory Type Room

8 rooms available

4 to 6 person capacity

Php60 per person

Function Hall

1 hall

50 person capacity
Php500
Non-Airconditioned

OTHER SERVICES

Catering Services
Seminars
Lodging
Wedding Ceremonies

Don't worry. The weather in Lake Sebu is like Tagaytay, so air-conditioner is not necessary.

Tourism Lodge
Barangay Poblacion, Municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato 
Contact Numbers: +63 9207416527

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I am not affiliated with them in any way All text and pictures are mine.

GERPHIL FLORES: Reaching the Impossible Note

GERPHIL FLORES: Reaching the Impossible Note

Gerphil Flores has shown Asians that real talent knows no genres or barriers! A rare combination of genuine (no pun intended) beauty and talent, she showed the world how beautiful and talented she is at her performances at Asia's Got Talent stage in Singapore.

To quote Van Ness Wu, one of the judges at Asia's Got Talent in Singapore, Gerphil's performance convey a special message: "Look at me, look at what I can do." (Paging Ai-ai de las Alas and Kris Aquino.)

The golden girl shows not only to those people who put her down because they can't understand her genres but to the whole Philippines and its Asian neighbors that no one could take away your dream to share your God-given gift.

Gerphil, you made us proud to be a Filipino. Congratulations on your magnificent performances!

The whole Philippines is so proud of you!  Good luck!

TOKYO BUBBLE TEA: Sakura Bento Trays

TOKYO BUBBLE TEA: Sakura Bento Trays

It is Cherry Blossoms season again in Japan! But going to Japan would entail a lot of expenses. 

Not every Pinoy could afford to spend that much in order to experience the cherry blossoms season in Japan, right?

Guess what? To bridge the gap between economic status, Tokyo Bubble Tea is bringing the Sakura Season in the Philippines with their limited edition offering of Sakura JCC Milk Teas

and of course its Sakura Bento Trays! 

Yes, I so love it! What a better way to celebrate the Cherry Blossom season than by coming up with its very own version of Hanami (Cherry Blossom Appreciation) 

Add caption

Tokyo Bubble Tea is offering (3)three hanami bento to celebrate the season.

Sakura Soy Ginger Fish 

Sakura Chicken Katsu 

Sakura Ebi Furai with Hamburg! 

Breaded fish cake with soy ginger sauce and sautéed mixed vegetables sounds yummy for your tummy! 

These include the usual seasonal grilled fish and simmered spring vegetables, plus rice scattered with vegetables cut into the delicate shape of sakura petals. Greenyomogimochi (spring herb dumplings) and kamaboko (fish cakes) with pink designs add to the festive mix, making the bentos especially colorful. Edel had this and said it was okay.

Clarisse tried the Sakura Chicken Katsu which is consist of chicken meat, eggserved with miso soup, fried rice, Sakura salad, and cutie cute cute Sakura maki! The whole Bento looked too cute to eat! Clarisse said the chicken was tender and flavorful, especially good with its sauce. Her husband tried the same dish I had.

What I tried

I had the Sakura Ebi Furai with Hamburg! The tempura was crispy and fresh. Very delicious indeed!

For our appetizer we had the following:

launched not only one but three new mascots that are so cute and cheerful the vivacious Sakura, Ichiban, and Midori.

Sakura has pink color. She is so cute! She looks so dainty! Midori in green is the playful and mischievous one. Ichiban in yellow is actually a prince who loves to explore the exciting world outside his palace's doors.

Since we don't have the weather that could make this flower During the event, we all got to meet The Bubblets! These cute and adorable characters are Tokyo Bubble Tea's very own. Meet the loving and sweet Sakura. She's the girl bubblet with a pink bow who's just plainly adorable. Midori on the other hand is the mischievous, adventurous, and playful green bubblet. And last but not the least, Ichiban, the little yellow bubblet prince wearing a crown. He might freak out a little if things don't go as planned, but he does enjoy all of the adventures they all have together.

The festival itself has changed little over the centuries: groups of friends and colleagues gather to enjoy food and drink, play games, and sing and dance under blossom-laden branches. Food and drink vendors line the main pathways, but most Japanese bring specially prepared homemade (or these days, more likely store bought) 

Cherry blossoms (Higan zakura) From the end of March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan, and around the

So what are you waiting for? Let's enjoy the Sakura Festival before it's over!