Angel Locsin: Soul Searching in Batanes

Angel Locsin: Soul Searching in Batanes

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. #batanes

Angel Locsin did a little soul searching on her 30th birthday. Her place of choice is Batanes.  Unknown to many, Angel used to come to our subdivision when she was not an actress yet to visit her relatives who happened to live just across our house.

She's really pretty even back then and even became our subdivision's Reyna Elena.

Her aunt who is our next door neighbor told me that Angel went somewhere on her birthday. I learned later that she went to Batanes. So, before I went to ABS-CBN for Angel's press conference, I was wondering why she did "A Thing Called Tadhana" or soul searching to formalize the term on her 30th birthday. 

According to Angel herself, she traveled solo to Batanes to do some soul searching.

“Masasabi mo talaga na may Diyos, at magpapasalamat ka talaga,”  Angel remarked upon seeing the sunrise. She said that she's thankful for the blessings she has received in her life. 

“Goal ko po sa Batanes was to witness something majestic, at nagawa ko po yun kanina,” said Angel.

She considers the sunrise as something majestic, that's why she is so happy to have fulfilled one of her 30 things on her bucket list in Batanes.

“Bumiyahe ako papunta ng airport, tapos nakita ko yun sunrise, tapos sabi ko ‘sandali lang po kuya, stop tayo at mag-picture ako’ tapos ayun kailangan picturan ko,” said Angel, describing how she experienced something majestic in Batanes in a form of a “beautiful sunrise”.

Now that she is 30, Angel is more serious in fulfilling her bucket list. “Gusto ko yun nagtratrabaho ako para mabuhay, hindi yun nabubuhay ako para magtrabaho,” she said.

“Hindi po ako magpapakaplastic kasi kaya rin ako umalis dahil naguguluhan ako kung ano ba ang mararamdaman ko sa pagthi-thirty ko bilang babae siguro maiintindihan niyo ang pakiramdam ko na ‘yan. Hindi ko alam kung masaya po ba ako o i-ce-celebrate ko ba siya o magbi-birthday blues ba ako,” said the actress who celebrated her 30th birthday last April 23.

Angel, during the press conference yesterday of her upcoming Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) two-part episode that pays tribute to the Fallen 44, shared that she was struck by the realization that “life is short” upon filming the two-part episode.

“Ngayon talaga because siguro andito sa MMK ko nag-sink in na life is short so talagang dapat in-enjoy natin. Gusto kong ma-maximize talaga kung ano man ‘yung extra time na meron ako. At gusto ko talaga ‘yung nagta-trabaho ako para mabuhay hindi ‘yung nabubuhay ako para magtrabaho,” she explains.

More than that, the Kapamilya actress admitted that turning 30 somewhat got her feeling the need to find herself.

Angel Locsin wanted to have a different perspective in life after turning 30. “Mas pinili ko mag-celebrate ng kung ano gusto ko,” she said during the press conference for “Maalaala Mo Kaya’s” tribute episode to two of the Fallen 44 police commandos, who perished in the deadly Mamasapano operation. 

Instead of spending her birthday with her family and friends in Manila, Kapamilya star Angel Locsin opted to do it alone and in Batanes. “May mga goals kasi ako na parang hindi ko pa nagagawa, so sisimulan ko siya ngayon,” she added. So how did she start off with the big three zero? By going to Batanes alone.

Although she is used to going alone in trips abroad, her recently-concluded Batanes trip is her first trip in the Philippines where she traveled alone. Her trip is part of her 30 things to do before she turns 40, she hopes to fulfill everything on the list in the years to come. 

“May mga goals kasi ako na feeling ko hindi ko pa nagagawa so sisimula ko ngayon na 30 years old ako hanggang 40. Parang 30 things to do before turning 40 years old. Tapos 30 acts of Kindness. May mga ganong drama ako ngayon, at least mas positive ‘yung pagtanggap ko sa pag-30 ko,” she said.

In the MMK episode to air on Saturday, April 25, Angel plays Suzette Tucay, girlfriend of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) trooper Sr. Insp. Garry Erana, who is portrayed by Coco Martin. Ejay Falcon, on the other hand, essays the role of another slain SAF member, Insp. Rennie Tayrus.

Angel Locsin met the press yesterday in a press conference inside the training hall of ABS-CBN.

Coco Martin and Angel Locsin might win acting awards on their portrayal of their challenging roles in the upcoming " SAF44" two-part tribute episode of MMK on April 25 and May 2, 2015.

Angel shared that she told Suzette (the girlfriend of the fallen SAF operative Garry Erana) that Garry is so lucky to have her. She also excitedly announced that it is her first time to work with Coco Martin. 

Ngayong Sabado na ng gabi mga Angels! Don't forget to watch! 

Happy with the kids in Batanes.

#‎CocoGelMMK‬ #MMKFallen44 #MMK #CocoMartin #AngelLocsin #SAF #Tribute

PACQUIAO VS. MAYWEATHER: Watch It In True Pinoy Style- Book Now

PACQUIAO VS. MAYWEATHER: Watch It In True Pinoy Style- Book Now

Watch the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight while enjoying a sumptuous buffet of your local favorite cuisines indoor on a curved LED TV ( for Php1,000 only), or poolside on a high-definition projector (for only Php800). 

Don't miss your chance to see the fight of the century as it unfolds LIVE on pay-per-view, with brunch buffet beginning at 8:30 in the morning on May 3, 2015 at True Deli Cafe located right at the Upper Ground Floor, Victoria Station 1, GMA-Kamuning, EDSA, Quezon City, Metro Manila‎.

True Deli food offerings are uniquely Filipino. Its goal is to serve different styles of Filipino cooking and provide delicious variations on what Filipinos usually eat. To accomplish this, True Deli offers unique and delicious takes on the usual chicken, pork, duck, goat and other dishes as well.

True Deli believes that Filipino products are world-class, that is why it only sells local products in an attempt to elevate the way Filipino consumers see them. 

True Deli goes beyond promoting culture through food. It is promoting Filipino culture through the entire dining experience, including appreciation of the language. 

Its menu, for example, is written entirely in Filipino, and the servers are trained to cater to the guests by speaking in Filipino.

What a better way to show your national pride than by dining on sumptuous regional favorites while watching Manny Pacquiao destroy Floyd Mayweather? Tickets are going fast, so please book now.

You may book thru call/text/email: 441-8560, +63 915 241 6045, +63 930 744 5481, +63 932 888 3354, truedeli@yahoo.com, natatangingpagkain@gmail.com. 

You may also visit the branch to reserve and buy tickets.

See you there!

Battle for greatness on May 3, 2015.

Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Pacquiao - Mayweather fight, Restaurant near GMA Network, True Deli

Disclaimer: I haven't dined at this restaurant yet

BAIT AND SWITCH

BAIT AND SWITCH

Have you ever experienced a bait-and-switch scam? Bait-and-switch is a form of fraud used in retail sales.

It is also employed in other forms and contexts. 

At first, would-be customers are "baited" by merchants' advertising of a very low-priced item or product but the would-be customers are encouraged to buy a more expensive one as the low-priced item is no longer available.

Beware: There are a lot of scammers especially on the internet today. The scammer would attract a would-be customer by advertising a low-priced product and the unknowing would-be customer would then be offered to buy a higher priced item or items because the low-priced product in the ads that he or she saw was already sold even though it was posted an hour ago. Galing naman ni kuya kaka-post lang ng truck nabenta na agad agad? Kaya bibentahan ka na ngayon ng mga pagkamahal mahal na mga iba pa nilang items.

Pregnant and Happy Marian Rivera is #KumpleTuna

Pregnant and Happy Marian Rivera is #KumpleTuna

I love the aura of Marian Rivera-Dantes nowadays. She is the perfect epitome of a happy woman. You can see and feel the difference in her overall vibe.

She is so positive and grateful to God. She feels complete because she really wanted to be a mother. She shared that her husband Dingdong Dantes' pervent prayer is to become a dad. 

"God is so good to us, He granted what we wish for," she exclaimed. 

Though she and her husband Dingdong Dantes already announced the previous day at Jessica Soho's program that she is pregnant, Marian reiterated it during her launch as the newest ambassador of 555 #KumpleTuna. She shared to all the people present during the event that she is now two months pregnant, happy and complete.


Love  made Marian complete.

555 Tuna now offers healthy, affordable, lutong bahay flavors like Afritada, Adobo and Bicol Express, so what are you waiting for? Kumain ka na ng masarap na 555#kumpleTuna

Disclosure: Please note that I did not receive any monetary consideration nor any transportation allowance. Each one of the attendees was given six (6) pieces of 555 Tuna to try at home. #grateful. 

COCO MARTIN: Stars in "SAF 44" Tribute Episode of MMK

COCO MARTIN: Stars in "SAF 44" Tribute Episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK)

I rarely raved about my favorite actors in the local showbiz scene. But just like every other sensible human being in the Philippines, I also like Coco Martin.  My admiration comes into being not only because he has a superb acting ability but also because he is good looking and a self made man. ( Nyemas, maglolokohan pa ba tayo dito? Ang pogi pogi niya po talaga at ang yaman yaman pa, ha ha ha!) 

Coco is grateful with every blessing that he receives. "I am very grateful with all the blessings that I received and I promise everyone that I won't waste this chance that was given to me" are his very words of gratefulness that still ring on my mind. 

Gratefulness fuels his passion. No wonder he still manages to smile and answer sensibly all the questions that were thrown his way during the press conference (despite the fact that he hardly had any sleep the previous nights because of his hectic shooting schedule). Coco almost fell asleep while being interviewed by the press.  He is still very accommodating as ever. Sa harap o likod man ng camera, napakabait at kalog niya sa pagsagot sa mga tanong sa kanya maging noon sa blogcon dati sa napaka successful movie nila ni Toni Gonzaga. Pang drama na, pang comedy pa at ngayon naman ay action star pa! Whew! Congrats in advance Coco on all your future endeavors!

I believe your yummy favorite Coco Martin might win another acting award with his portrayal of a very challenging role in the upcoming " SAF44"  two-part tribute episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) on April 25 and May 2, 2015.

Yummy errr Coco's newest role is that of fallen SAF operative Garry Erana. He also excitedly announced that it is his first time to work with Angel Locsin.

If you have laughed with him at his role in You're My Boss with Toni Gonzaga, you will cry a river with his portrayal of the role of a Special Action Force (SAF) trooper in MMK. 

Don't miss the two-part tribute episode for the "SAF 44" this coming Saturday, April 25, 2015, and on May 2, 2015

CUBAO: Taco Bell PH Re-opened in Gateway

CUBAO: Taco Bell PH Re-opened in Gateway

Just when my brother and I thought that our favorite Mexican fast food has closed shop for good, came an invitation (thank you my friend!) to attend the re-opening of its branch at the ground floor of Gateway Mall, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City. 

The recently redesigned Taco Bell has a fresh new look that causes you to forget that you are in a fast food taco joint. The exterior has a big, modern signage design that is illuminated in a blue and violet hue. 

Smiling cashiers are the first thing to greet you as you walk in as its counter is located at the leftmost portion of the entrance of the restaurant. Spread across the top portion of the counter are Four (4) big LED HD TVs showing the pictures of the menu of the restaurant in HD setting. I think it is more sensible because human beings especially men like to see what they are going to order.  Food porn baby!

Right at the back of the counter is an open kitchen where you could watch the staff make your order using only the freshest ingredients available. Well, I'm impressed!  Kudos, for your well-lit and clean kitchen.

You could even upgrade your combos for only Php20 each. So cool!

If you like art, then you should not miss to visit the Taco Bell Philippines branch at Gateway Mall, Cubao. The murals are wonderful to look at. 

I also love its well-lit, clean and spacious dining area. The wood elements and pops of purple accent give a casual “modern coffee shop” vibe. Ang lakas maka sosyal! 

Now, let’s go to the food…

New kid on the Block

I ordered the newest rice meal offering of Taco Bell Philippines--Pork Stew. It was very delicious! I actually like you to try it because I simply love it.

My brother and I shared these Churros for dessert and they are delicious.

I just wish that the Churros were crunchier. Sorry, maybe it was just me but I find the texture of the dough similar to that of cream puffs, soft and “eggy” on the inside, but only slightly crispy from frying on the outside. I prefer my Churros to be crispier on the outside and perfect on the inside. Nonetheless, they were very delicious! 

My kind of perfect Churros have very nice crisps on the outside and are not chewy and undercooked on the inside. Taco Bell Ph Churros could be the perfect Churros I've been looking for just by making them crispier.

My rating:

Finally, Taco Bell's Chocodilla with Nutella were satisfying! I love the mint marshmallow in between.

 The Chocodilla (PHP 49) has marshmallows and Nutella inside, so 5 fingers for that.

My co-bloggers are smiling from ear to ear because they were so satisfied with their snacks. They gamely pose for the camera. Each one of us got to bring home one (1) party pack to enjoy and share with our family at home.

More photos:

I love the table divider that not only saves space but actually made use of the space in between the tables and the open kitchen.

The meal ordered by seatmate yummytales. I'll try this meal next time.

Overall rating: 

Taco Bell PH 

Ground floor of Gateway Mall, 

Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City  

JASMINE CURTIS SMITH: World Vision Newest Youth Ambassador

JASMINE CURTIS SMITH: World Vision Newest Youth Ambassador

“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.” -Audrey Hepburn

Congratulations, Jasmine Curtis Smith for being hailed as the newest Youth Ambassador of World Vision!

Jasmine now joins the ranks of World Vision Ambassadors that include Sam Concepcion, Lea Salonga, Nikki Gil, Sam Milby, Marc Nelson, Christian Bautista, Miriam Quiambao, Julius and Tin Tin Babao and Tippy dos Santos.

During her post-birthday celebration held last April 14. at Discovery Suites Ortigas. Jasmine was awarded the title "World Vision Youth Ambassador" before members of the press by World Vision Executive Director Josaias dela Cruz.

Unknown to many, the 21 year-old actress has been volunteering at World Vision ever since she was still a student in Australia. 

Yes, my dear! You read it right! Anne's little sister, Jasmine, has been involved with World Vision even before she was even active in show business. 

As a student in Australia, Jasmine participated in World Vision's worldwide campaign against hunger and malnutrition dubbed "Famine" in Canada, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand. In the Philippines, Jasmine promoted the 12-Hour Famine in 2012 with her older sister, fellow-actress Anne Curtis. 

Both Jasmine and Anne have sponsored children at World Vision.

"I really like the concept of 'Famine.' It's going without food for a number of hours to raise awareness on malnutrition, which is one of the biggest problems that impact children, globally," shares the 21-year-old actress.

"In Famine, we only go without food for at least half a day, but in the case of severely malnourished children, hunger is like a lifestyle. To understand how hunger feels like is to empathize with them and compel us to do something to alleviate their suffering."

In 2011, when Jasmine was just starting her acting career, she joined the relief operations in Bulacan where there was severe flooding caused by monsoon rains, affecting over 2,000 families. When typhoon Maring crippled some parts of Metro Manila in 2013, Jasmine and fellow WV Ambassador Tippy Dos Santos helped in the distribution of relief goods to more than 1,500 survivor-families.

Jasmine's involvement in emergency response extended to post-recovery where she helped survivors get back on their feet once again. After the devastating 7-2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Bohol in 2013, Jasmine volunteered, along with other sponsors, in the rebuilding of houses -- the petite and charming actress was seen holding carpenter's tools in order to give back to the survivors the life they had lost during the calamity.

"Being on the ground has made me more socially aware. It has made me see how much help is needed, and that makes me want to give more -- whether of my resources or my time," Jasmine shares during a presscon.

More recently, Jasmine joined the 'White Event,' an online celebrity auction where proceeds will be used for the rehabilitation of a public school in Malabon City. In the launch last March 27 at the Makati Shangrila, she was joined by seasoned performers Tessie Tomas and Celeste Legaspi. Jasmine donated a pair of her favorite rubber shoes, among other items.

When asked what she would advise young people who wish to help but do not yet have the financial capacity to do so, Jasmine had this to say:

"Financial limitations should not stop a person from helping others. There are many other ways in which you can lend a hand."

"You can invite other people to help financially by seeking small donations from them. One way is to spread the word. For young people, it's not how much money you can give, but how far you can deliver the message. The youth of today has such an influence on their peers and family. I believe it is important for us to help make people aware of these efforts," she adds.

For his part, dela Cruz welcomes Jasmine to World Vision's roster of celebrity ambassadors and cites reasons for choosing the actress to be its representative to the youth. 

"Jasmine embodies the very qualities we look for in an ambassador. She is both youthful and mature -- listen to her speak and you will see that she has wisdom beyond her years. And she really, really loves children," says dela Cruz.

"Her celebrity status did not hinder her from really going on the ground -- at the risk of getting dirty, or even hungry, for the sake of helping others. That, for us, is a very endearing quality -- her genuine concern and love for children, is exemplary. That is the kind of inspiration and concern for others we hope the Filipino youth would aspire for," he adds.

Beautiful inside and out, that's what Jasmin is. Stay good. Stay beautiful inside and out! Good luck!

#Eagle21, #Jasmine, #JasmineCurtisSmith #BeautifulInsideOut

MEDICARD: One of the Strongest HMOs in the PH

MEDICARD: One of the Strongest HMOs in the PH

You have MediCard – Why worry?

Do you want to know the reasons why MediCard holders are worry free? Then you have two options: You can either watch this special video presentation or read more.