Sometimes, you just can't be bothered to cook and prep meals for a festivity. This is where party trays come in BUT it can't be just any party tray. It has to be one that represents you and your cooking as well as your background since potlucks are all about what you can bring to the table.

This is why when it comes to party trays, I only trust a few establishments. My family is known for cooking great dishes so I couldn't just bring something mediocre to the table. It had to be something that would taste similar or even better than something my Mom would cook or my brother who is a chef would produce.

It had to be Friends and Family Platters.


They have 10 platters you can choose from but my go-to has always been the Pork BBQ, Lumpia Shanghai, and Tinapa Rice. After all, these are the staple items and they can be served even when cold. If it's a party at someone's home though, I'd always go for Classic Pork Sisig (it can be reheated and still taste just as good) and Embotido.


This is what I had last week when we had an impromptu get together at home to celebrate my little sister being home for a week due to the SEA Games.



I had a really stressful week and my Mom was attending to our pastillas orders that she couldn't make time to cook. Friends and Family Platters truly saved the day for us. We were able to have a nice dinner without all the hustle and bustle of prepping in the kitchen like chickens without heads.

The platters were big enough that this is also what we had for breakfast the next day. I don't know about you guys but I like it when there's so much food, I don't have to cook for breakfast coz we can just reheat things.

Now if you really want hassle-free parties, you can also just book them for catering so you can truly enjoy your parties in style.


For me, I'm just glad that Friends and Family exist. They have become my choice for when I want to indulge in Filipino comfort food as well as some Chinese because of their limited time only Binondo Menu.

Sometimes, you just can't be bothered to cook and prep meals for a festivity. This is where party trays come in BUT it can't be just...

FWD may only be 5 years old but they are one of the fastest growing insurance companies in the market. In fact, they just recently partnered with MCX and came up with one of the biggest projects any insurance company has to date.


FWD Life Phillppines (FWD Insurance), part of pan-Asian FWD Group, and AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), fully-owned subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation (AC), announce their Expressway Sponsorship Program which unveils the newly renamed FWD-Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX).

The FWD-MCX, serves as a crucial artery between Muntinlupa and Cavite-connecting the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Daang Hari, Cavite and regularly serving thousands of motorists and commuters.

With this newly signed agreement, the first of its kind for a Philippine insurer, FWD Insurance seeks to elevate the expressway as a symbol of the nation's "road to progress". Used by more than one million cars a month, the FWD-MCX has shortened what was once a 20-minute drive from Daang Hari road to SLEX to only a three-minute Journey.

Championing Economic Progress; Insuring FWD-MCX Motorists

 

"The FWD-MCX contributes to economic progress by enabling businesses to expand their geographic market reach outside of Metro Manila, " FWD Insurance Chairman of the Board and former Ambassador to the USA Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said. "The expressway serves as a critical route for their operations and opens up opportunities for them to serve immediate local communities."

Peter Grimes, President and Chief Executive Officer of FWD Insurance, said, "This is an exciting new venture for FWD and we're proud to pioneer a program that has never been done by a Philippine insurer."

As part of this initiative and to celebrate its fifth anniversary in the Philippines, FWD Insurance will be providing one-year accidental insurance to 500 customers with Php500,000 coverage to align with the insurer's continuing efforts to protect more Filipino lives and secure their and their loved ones' financial peace of mind.

Interested customers can go to bit.ly/SignUpForOffer and enter their details to qualify for the special offer, subject to terms and conditions. Noel Kintanar, Chief Operating Officer of AC Infra and President of MCX Tollway, Inc., is optimistic about their partnership with FWD Insurance. "I am confident that through this agreement, we continue to provide a safe and convenient access for residents of south Metro Manila as this part of the metro emerges as a business and lifestyle hub," Kintanar said. "More importantly, in collaboration with FWD Insurance, we hope to contribute in efforts to drive local economies forward."

FWD Insurance in the Last Five Years and "The Road Ahead"

 
"The FWD-MX is not only a road to us at FWD, but a notable landmark that stands as a testament to innovation and how far FWD has come in the last five years," Amb. Cuisia said. "Since starting operations in the Philippines in 2014, we have achieved numerous milestones, becoming one of the country's fastest-growing insurance companies and, more recently, consolidating our place as a top-ten insurer."

"We're excited to touch more lives as we play a role in building a more connected and progressive society," Grimes added. "Much like how the newly unveiled FWD-MCX stands as a symbol of progress-now and in the future we aim to encourage Filipinos everywhere to progress by empowering them to live life to the fullest, covered by our customer-led product innovations as part of our vision to change the way people feel about insurance."

FWD may only be 5 years old but they are one of the fastest growing insurance companies in the market. In fact, they just recently partnered...

Sometimes, it can take time to get over your X. However, Bea seems to be the queen of everything and months after losing an X, she found the right one.

Nothing can seem to stop box-office actress Bea Alonzo. With her new movie, Unbreakable, gracing the silver screen this week and a new coffee shop venture, she takes the momentum  even further by signing a deal with local appliance brand XTREME.

“I am really excited to be XTREME’s new ambassador. Home has always been my sanctuary, and now that I have XTREME appliances to come home to, I will  always have something to look forward to at the end of the day,” Alonzo shared.

XTREME recognizes how Filipinos continuously work hard to achieve their aspirations despite setbacks. Alonzo, who has constantly sought after her dreams and is unafraid to take on new ventures, is the perfect embodiment of what XTREME stands for as a brand.

“We are glad to have Bea on board. As one of the country’s leading actresses, her talent leaves no room for doubt, but it is because of her ability to keep on moving forward and not settle for anything less is the main reason why we just have to have her on board,” said Stephen Cheng, Head of Marketing of XTREME.

“This is also XTREME’s vision for the Philippines. For many Filipinos, premium-quality appliances have always seemed out of reach, and instead settle for what they can afford. With our line of products, Pinoys never have to compromise quality and move on from the idea that good products are only for those who earn more. With XTREME, they can finally start over,” Cheng added.

She joins people’s champ Manny Pacquiao as the face of the local appliance brand.

Under the Suntouch Technology Corporation, XTREME aims to be Filipinos’ one-stop shop for all your appliance needs. From SMART TVs,  inverter air conditioning units and refrigerators, to multi-purpose gas ranges and small appliances, XTREME promises to have it at the best price.

With over 150 accredited service centers nationwide, premium quality of life is even more attainable.

To know more about XTREME, its products, and its branches nationwide, visit the XTREME website at https://www.xtreme.com.ph/ and XTREME Appliances Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/XTREMEPhilippines/.

Sometimes, it can take time to get over your X. However, Bea seems to be the queen of everything and months after losing an X, she found ...

Talk about convenience!

Bayer Philippines’ Consumer Health division has been working for its vision to make self-care for a better life a reality for billions of people around the world through everyday healthcare. Now, the company is pioneering innovation in self-care on digital, especially on e-commerce. Bayer is one of the first over-the-counter or OTC companies to launch an official store in Shopee Philippines, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia.

Starting this December 12, your favorite Bayer Consumer Health brands such as Berocca, Rogin-E, Calci-Aid, Elica, Bepanthen, and Canesten will be available in Shopee Philippines!

“We at Bayer Philippines are committed to making self-care accessible through e-commerce, and through this partnership with Shopee Philippines, our products are can now be purchased anytime across the country,” Emmanuel Cruz, Digital Lead of Bayer Philippines Consumer Health Division exclaimed.

During the grand launch of Bayer’s official store in Shopee Philippines on December 12 or 12.12, shoppers can get up to 20% discount, and an additional 12% off on checkout on all Bayer OTC products using the code BAYERSALE in Shopee Philippines, so shop soon!

Talk about convenience! Bayer Philippines’ Consumer Health division has been working for its vision to make self-care for a better life...

Sun Life recently held an open forum where they shared data about how 2019 has been for them. Amongst the many things they mentioned, the one thing that truly caught my attention was about Money Market Funds.

Money Market Fund is designed to ensure capital protection and provide adequate liquidity while maximizing yields on short-term placements. Affordable access to special savings accounts with low risk. Money market funds are usually regarded as temporary cash parking facilities and are very liquid by nature.


Since I'm not a risk-taker by nature, this one piqued my interest. After all, the Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund presents the least risk amongst all funds, however, with the lowest possible returns. In retrospect, this Fund provides higher annual returns than your bank savings account and doesn’t impose any sales load on you.

I already got my insurance from Sun Life so I feel comfortable dealing with them.  Since I'm always on the lookout on how I can further grow my money, this seems to be a nice fit.


The Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund is for you if:

1. You want to have a very low risk in your investment but potentially earn better than regular current, savings, or time deposits.
2. Don’t want to look too far into the horizon? Money Market Funds are beneficial as early as one year from the date of investment.
3. You're considering time deposits or opening a new savings account but are wondering if there are better options.



This is definitely something that I would love to add to my savings portfolio. It may be small for now but I know that as time goes by, it can and will get bigger. It's easy to start one too.

Through the My Sun Life Client Portal and Sun Life PH Mobile App, you can invest and manage your account anytime, anywhere. You just need to fill out the registration form and take a selfie. And to make it affordable, you can invest in money market for as low as P100.

ONE HUNDRED PESOS + A SELFIE! 

Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI) sees a brighter 2020 for the Philippine economy. According to Sun Life Chief Investments Officer Michael Enriquez, the economy is set to significantly improve and the challenges that will come our way are tolerable and may be balanced out by the positive developments.

The factors that are expected to boost the country's economy are lower prices and accelerated government spending. In October 2019, inflation fell to a low of 0.80% but we expect prices to slowly rise as we foresee an inflation rate of 2.40% in 2020. This rate is significantly lower compared to 5.21% in 2018.

In terms of Gross Domestic Product, a higher GDP is to be expected. Enriquez shared that Sun Life looks forward to a 5.80% GDP for 2019 and a stronger 7% in 2020.  This is due to a combination of base-effects, the recovery of consumer spending, and a stronger government spending. Sun Life expects the government to go all out on capital outlays considering that the present administration has only two years left in its mandate.

For the currency, a peso-dollar exchange rate of PhP50.70 to PhP52.50 is possible. The 2019 USD-PhP forecast is at PhP51.00 and a slightly higher PhP52.50 for 2020.

Sun Life expects the Philippine Stock Exchange Index to end at 8,600 on a best case scenario. While the 2019 remains to be volatile for the stock market, the PSEi target for 2020 is at 9,460 with a price-earnings multiple of 18.2 times.

 Taking into consideration the external factors beyond our control, the United States is set to experience recession especially towards the later months of 2020 due to the upcoming presidential election. The US-China Trade War has also created an impact in global growth.  The Federal Reserve is also on a passive quantitative easing mode. The US Dollar 10-year bond may re-test the recent low of 1.5%-1.7%.

With these scenarios, SLAMCI highly encourages investors to stay the course. "It is only with a long term vision and a solid commitment to their investing journey that they can benefit from a better and faster Philippine economy in 2020.




To know more about Money Market Funds, watch this.

Sun Life recently held an open forum where they shared data about how 2019 has been for them. Amongst the many things they mentioned, the...

Have you ever wanted to say thanks but the moment you go inside a mall or coffee shop, you are bombarded with lines or don't really know what the other person likes?

Appreci understands your struggles and has come up with the perfect solution by creating an app that allows people to show their appreciation with the click on their phone.


Appreci is not yet available in the Philippines but is already available in other countries like Australia. The creators are excited to launch it here hopefully at the beginning of 2020.


It's very easy as well so there's really no learning curve when you use it. 


With a lot of advocacies and reminders nowadays for self-care and gratitude, I'm sure that Appreci will be a hit once it hits Manila. After all, we are one of the most hospitable people in the world and one thing we truly know is the value of gratitude.

Wouldn't you love to send someone you miss a cup of coffee with just a click? I know I would.

Have you ever wanted to say thanks but the moment you go inside a mall or coffee shop, you are bombarded with lines or don't really know...

I never wanted to have one. I didn't think that having a baby shower plus a gender reveal was essential but thankfully, my little sister K had other ideas and though I know she struggled with a lot through planning this, she made things happen. Last Saturday, M and I had our baby shower, as well as our gender reveal party, and it was definitely a moment to remember.


It was very colorful just the way I like it.


The food was mostly vegan (God knows why K chose it to be this healthy) but it was surprisingly good.


K also organized notes for the baby and a few games to be enjoyed by the guests.


These were our small gifts to our guests.


Love love love the rainbow cupcakes K had made as well as the Care Bear cake which I sadly (for some weird reason) did not have a good photo of. UGH!


This is from my brother in law. I loved the cheesecake from Marco Polo. It's really good. Thank you S!


This was the moment we finally found out the gender of our baby. Imagine not knowing for the last 33 weeks! It has been insance but now we know that we are having a boy!

I am so thankful to the people who actually came and made time for us. Traffic has been insane and with so many invitations left and right, you guys chose to grace our very small baby shower. Some of you even came from the North and nowadays, that really says a lot.

I will forever be grateful.



Most of all, I am grateful to my family who made this possible especially my Mom and K. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you all.

For those who want to see the video, here you go.

I never wanted to have one. I didn't think that having a baby shower plus a gender reveal was essential but thankfully, my little sister...

These days, the Philippines is no longer on the far end of innovations especially when it comes to real estate.


Lamudi’s The Outlook: Philippine Buyers’ Choice Property Awards celebrated the real estate names from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that took home the most-sought-after awards last November 14 at the Makati Shangri-La. Co-presented by Philippine Daily Inquirer Property and Holcim, The Outlook Awards used a two-step process to determine the winners for the House, Condominium, and Mixed-use categories: an esteemed panel of judges shortlisted the nominees for each category, and a 10,000-respondent survey involving active property seekers revealed the big winner for each award.

The awarding ceremony recognized the real estate developments that have given the Philippine market the well-designed home of their dreams--at different price points and fit different lifestyles.

Affordability Meets Comfort

Property seekers can make the dream of homeownership a reality even on a budget. With options such as the Best Affordable Condo in Luzon - Cheer Residences by SM Development Corporation, the Best Affordable House - Avida Southfield Settings NUVALI by Avida Land Corporation, and the Best Affordable Condo in Visayas and Mindanao - Casa Mira Towers Labangon by Cebu Landmasters, Inc., a convenient lifestyle is possible for starting families and single professionals who consider practicality above all else.

World-class Amenities for a Premium Lifestyle

When it comes to premium developments, the Best Premium Condo in Luzon, Avida Towers Makati Southpoint by Avida Land Corporation, leads with its modern amenities fit for the active and productive residents who also want to make the most of their nights in the city. The Best Premium Condo in Visayas and Mindanao, Sanremo Oasis at City di Mare by Filinvest Land, Inc., also provides amenities that complement nature, allowing for an Italian-inspired lifestyle that is sustainable. 


Even those who prefer houses have the Best Premium House, The Peak by Filinvest Land, Inc., to cater to their distinctive taste. The Peak’s prime lots are set amidst well-planned amenities and breathtaking vistas, making each day a sight to behold.
Living in the Lap of Luxury

Exceptional views of the Forbes Park global city skyline is not just what’s in store for residents of the Best Luxe Condo, The Albany by Megaworld Corporation. Residents also enjoy top-of-the-line amenities and home brand collaborations fit for a modern lifestyle.

Condominium residents also enjoy the best life has to offer with the Best Innovation Project, The Seasons Residences by Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation. The project, inspired by the four seasons of Japan, combines Filipino hospitality with Japanese design efficiency to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience.

Here is the complete list of winners for The Outlook Awards 2019 per category:

Luzon Winners

Best Affordable Condo - Cheer Residences (SM Development Corporation)
Best Premium Condo     - Avida Towers Makati Southpoint (Avida Land Corporation)
Best Luxe Condo - The Albany (Megaworld Corporation)
Best Affordable House - Avida Southfield Settings NUVALI (Avida Land Corporation)
Best Premium House - The Peak (Filinvest Land, Inc.)
Best Mixed-Use Development - Hamilo Coast (Costa del Hamilo, Inc.)

Visayas and Mindanao Winners   

Best Affordable Condo - Casa Mira Towers Labangon (Cebu Landmasters, Inc.)
Best Premium Condo    - Sanremo Oasis at City di Mare (Filinvest Land, Inc.)
Best House - Amoa (AboitizLand, Inc.)
Best Mixed-Use Development - The Mactan Newtown (Megaworld Corporation)
Special Awards

Best Green Project - Three E-Com Center (SM Prime Holdings, Inc.)
Best Innovation Project - The Seasons Residences (Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation)
Best Co-Living Space - MyTown Co-Living Hubs (Philippines Urban Living Solutions, Inc.)
Best Co-Working Space - Acceler8 (UnionSPACE)
Personality of the Year - Jose “Joe” Soberano III, Chairman, President and CEO of Cebu Landmasters, Inc.

Grand Awards   
   
Best Developer - Luzon - DMCI Homes
Best Developer - VisMin - Cebu Landmasters, Inc.
Best Boutique Developer - Luzon - PHINMA Property Holdings Corporation
Best Boutique Developer - VisMin - DATEM Homes, Inc.

Lamudi’s Global Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Kian Moini opened the gala with a look into the real estate trends that make the Philippines a force to be reckoned with in Southeast Asia, and Bhavna Suresh, CEO of Lamudi Philippines, ended the night remarking on the continued growth of the real estate sector in the country.


The gala also remembered the great contributions of the late real estate leaders John Gokongwei, Jr. of JG Summit, Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr. of Eton Properties, Willie Uy of 8990 Holdings, Henry Sy of SM Investments, and Liberator “Levy” P. Laus of The LausGroup of Companies.

The Outlook Awards’ official TV partner is Cignal TV and the official event partner is Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The event’s media partners are Business Mirror, Business World, Manila Standard, Malaya Business Insight, and The Philippine Star.

Lamudi also worked together with partner organizations Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), Land Registration Authority, Re/Max, Colliers International Philippines, Ikea Southeast Asia, A. P. de Jesus & Associates, Philippine Daily Inquirer Property, Housing and Urban  Development Coordinating Council, Buskowitz Group, Santos Knight Frank, Buensalido + Architects, German Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce, Australian - New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, Italian Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), and Starbucks to make the event possible.

For more information, visit lamudi.com.ph/outlook2019.

These days, the Philippines is no longer on the far end of innovations especially when it comes to real estate. Lamudi ’s The Outlook: ...

Capitol Commons shines bright this holiday season as Ortigas Land (formerly Ortigas & Company) opens the “Lights at the Park”, a distinctive outdoor light installation located at the Capitol Commons Park in Pasig City.

Inspired by the “Urban Light”, the popular public art display by Chris Burden at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles, California, the “Lights at the Park” provides Filipinos with a bright, unique, and insta-worthy spectacle for the holidays where families and friends can take part of.


The “Lights at the Park” is composed of 42 lamp posts varying in height from 8ft to 10ft with a total of 50,400 lightbulbs and features a unique design that invites spectators to take the most stunning photos at different angles even as visitors flock the installation.

The Lights at the Park is open to the public until January 5, 2020 from 6PM to 11PM.

Aside from the lights, visitors can also enjoy other amenities inside Capitol Commons, such as the Estancia Mall which boasts of its wide array of food and fashion offerings and the newly opened Estancia Mall East Wing, which houses the SM Store and the first Ortigas Cinemas.

Capitol Commons shines bright this holiday season as Ortigas Land (formerly Ortigas & Company) opens the “Lights at the Park”, a distinc...

This Holiday season, there will be a lot of gifts that will be given out. Most of them will come in plastic and won't be used so to make sure that you give a gift that will be sustainable, here's a gift guide from our friends from BPI.

This year, gift-giving can be more meaningful not only to the receiver, but also to you as the giver. Aside from showing your appreciation for your loved ones, you can also take this opportunity to help local communities and the environment by supporting social enterprises.

For this year’s BPI Sinag ng Pasko Bazaar, BPI Foundation will be bringing together Filipino social enterprises to a one-day fair offering a wide range of sustainable gift options to choose from. Most of these brands are offering products are handcrafted or made from recycled materials and other organic ingredients.

Here are some of the homegrown brands you shouldn’t miss in this year’s bazaar.

Habi Footwear

 
Crazy about shoes? The Habi Footwear has a wide range of comfortable footwear like espadrilles and sandals that are 100% guaranteed environment-friendly. This stylish and affordable brand uses recycled materials such as upcycled fabrics and airplane tires for its espadrilles. Every pair you buy will benefit the mothers and rug weavers in Payatas, Quezon City. 

Habi Footwear is made from handcrafted upcycled fabrics.

Mori Notes  


Nothing beats the therapeutic benefits of journal writing. For your friend or loved one who finds solace in reflecting and writing, Mori Notes’ handy journal is a must-have. This social enterprise also sells travel organizers, wallets, bags, and purses which are all handcrafted by mothers from Apolonio Samson, Quezon City. 

Mori Notes offers journals handcrafted by mothers from Apolonio Samson, Quezon City.

Got Heart 
 

Looking for the perfect gift for your friend who loves natural products? Got Heart got you. They offer a wide range of soaps with goat’s milk, honey, lemongrass, and charcoal. Each soap is made with organic ingredients and comes “package-free” as part of Got Heart’s commitment to embrace eco-friendly practices.

Got Heart’s soap selection isn’t only good for the skin but also for the environment.

Down to Earth



Giving food as a gift is never a bad idea. Down to Earth is joining this year’s bazaar to offer its fresh produce such as organic vegetables, grass-fed cattle, heritage free-range pork and lamb, and native poultry. Fostered with biodynamic and sustainable agricultural practices, these products make for a hearty, clean, and guilt-free Christmas meal!  

Get your hearty and guilt-free holiday meal with Down to Earth’s organic food selection. 



Kayumanggi Organic

 
Is it possible to eat healthy without sacrificing taste? For Kayumanggi Organic, the answer is yes. Their coconut-based products such as homeland coffee made of Arabica, cacao, wild ginger tea, and their best-selling golden nectar, a raw coconut nectar mixed with fresh ginger and turmeric are perfect gifts for titas and titas-at-heart. Buying Kayumanggi Organic’s products also enables you to help their partner communities in Surigao del Sur and Misamis Oriental.

From tea to hot chocolate, Kayumanggi Organic offers healthy and organic coconut-based products.

The BPI Sinag ng Pasko Bazaar is happening on December 11 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2.

This Holiday season, there will be a lot of gifts that will be given out. Most of them will come in plastic and won't be used so to m...