One thing I noticed about bloggers is that for someone who writes for a living, a lot of them seem to NOT READ which is really disappointing. You'd think that for people who write for a living, they would actually know the value of reading because that's what we aim for at the end of the day right?

Someone to actually read what we have written.

So I decided to write about the 5 things that people need to remember when they sign up for anything.

1. READ the INSTRUCTIONS.

When you sign up for something, the rules and requirements will always be different. You can't assume that everything will be the same and just have a template ready to post. Nope, it doesn't work that way.

2. CHECK if you actually QUALIFY.

I've seen this happen so many times. Non-beauty bloggers signing up for beauty events. Single women with no kids or even nephews or nieces signing up for Mommy events. Vegetarians signing up for a steak review and the list just goes on.

3. ENSURE you can DELIVER

So many bloggers sign up and when they get in, back out, or worse, just ghost you. This is really frustrating and it makes people question your integrity as a person. Did you just want the feeling of being chosen? Did something better come up? Did the request overwhelm you? Did you die and truly become a ghost?

We deserve an explanation!

4. ANSWER Right

When you actually list down your credentials, please make sure all pertinent details are in there. This is a no brainer.

5. Thank you, NEXT!

If you didn't make the cut, be gracious. Don't message the person demanding for an explanation as to why. If you really wanna know, you can send a nice inquiry asking what you need to improve on so you can do better next time. If you don't receive a response though, simply move on. Not everything is meant for you.

I hope this helps and if you wanna better yourself as a blogger, feel free to read 8 blogging tips, 5 Ways to Syndicate, Content Creation, How to Get People to Stay on your Site, and 5 Things to Remember for Event Invites.

One thing I noticed about bloggers is that for someone who writes for a living, a lot of them seem to NOT READ which is really disappoint...

YES you READ that RIGHT!

You can now buy yellow cab pizza by the slices so even if you are by yourself or just want to be on your own, you don't need to worry about having to buy an entire pizza when you visit Yellow Cab.


Introducing their New York Famous XL Slice, this is perfect for folks looking for a quick, hot, flavorful, and hefty meal to get through the day. You can choose between Margherita, Cheese, Hawaiian, and Pepperoni.

I'm definitely going for Hawaiian and so will B but M will most likely go for Cheese.

The XL Pizza Slice will be available for Php109 and can be availed in select Metro Manila stores for dine in.

Luckily, I got these little guys so I can go ahead and give it a try this week!

YES you READ that RIGHT! You can now buy yellow cab pizza by the slices so even if you are by yourself or just want to be on your own, you...

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila honors the international celebration of the most delicious day of the year for chocoholics with month-long choco-filled feasts.
On July 7, a chocolate-coated Café Eight will feature a Sunday Brunch Buffet that is filled with all things cacao. Celebrate World Chocolate Day with a decadent culinary concoction of savory dishes including White Chocolate Baba Ghanoush, Cocoa Rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs, sinful desserts and more. Executive Pastry Chef Benjamin Bourgeois will also hold a free chocolate clay class for kids. Diners will get to take home free Auro Chocolates. The brunch buffet will be open to diners from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a rate of P1,918++ (inclusive of unlimited drinks) per person.


Meanwhile, the Lobby Lounge welcomes all kinds of cookie cravings as they bring guests a collection of 100 cookie creations from July 12-21. Dubbed as the 100 Cookie Project, cookie lovers are expected to give in to temptation with at least 100 cookie favorites such as Dark Choco Chip, Matcha White Choco, Salted Caramel, Tablea, Truffle Honey, Gooey Nutella, Smore, Gluten Free Milk Choco Chip, Coffee Walnut, Peanut Butter, and so much more.


If you both love chocolates and afternoon tea – you’re in for a treat. The Lobby Lounge’s dreamy Chocolate Afternoon Tea includes a savory section of Chocolate Salmon Gravlax Sandwich, Mole Poblano Wrap, and Roasted Beef with Chocolate Sauce Pie. Dig into sweet treats such as Dark Chocolate and Tonka Beans Flexi Ganache, White Chocolate Strawberry and Basil Tartelette, and other divine desserts. This succulent afternoon tea is available for the whole month of July from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.


My 4 personal favorite are the following:






Just right in time for the rainy season, warm up with hot chocolate or chocolate drink the Lobby Lounge. Then pair it with the hotel’s best-selling ensaymada.

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City’s sensational chocolate loaded food and beverage promotions are made with luscious ingredients from Auro Chocolate. Auro Chocolate is a proudly Filipino, bean-to-bar chocolate company that sustainably sources cocoa beans directly from local farming communities in Davao while doing their part to restore the Philippines’ heirloom varieties.

For more information or for dining reservations, please call 863-2222 or 998 595 3769 or email dining@crimsonhotel.com.

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila honors the international celebration of the most delicious day of the year for chocoholics with month-l...

There is beauty in strength, perseverance, and doing one’s best. Flawlessly U, a beauty brand under Splash Corporation, shines the spotlight on the beauty that radiates from everyday hardworking women.  These women prove that no matter what they go through, they can still be flawless.

Last July 10, Flawlessly U launched the #NotAPrincess Still flawless campaign in XX XX, Makati City. The venue was transformed into a live gallery that evoke thoughts and emotions regarding the more common perception of beauty, before leading up to the introduction of Flawlessly U’s new campaign and its accompanying video. The brand’s latest video showed that all women can be flawless, even when everyday life can get challenging. Real women who embody the campaign’s message were also featured and present during the event, helping show that hardworking women are all truly among us, each and every day.


“Everyday life can get very demanding, making it a struggle to get up and conquer the day ahead. There is profound beauty in seeing a woman stand her ground and work hard to power through these challenges,” says Rachelle D. Layda, Marketing Manager. “Flawlessly U believes that the beauty of everyday hardworking women should be recognized and celebrated - no matter what they do, they can still be flawless.”


Just like the women being honored, Flawlessly U also features equally hardworking beauty products. Best known for its multiple benefits – whitening, smoothening and moisturizing. Flawlessly U comes in different product formats for face and body in Papaya + Calamansi, Green Papaya + Calamansi, and Kojic + Glutathione variants. Flawlessly U products are also easy on the pocket and are available in major supermarkets and sari-sari stores.

For more information about Flawlessly U, visit Facebook - @OfficialFlawlesslyU.

There is beauty in strength, perseverance, and doing one’s best. Flawlessly U, a beauty brand under Splash Corporation, shines the spotlight...

Caltex customers will be glad to know that the same Caltex with Techron they fill up with in their everyday journey is the same fuel that recently powered a 28-year old car to set a world-record of fastest 1,000 meter ascent up Doi Chang Mountain, Thailand’s highest peak, in under 7 minutes.   

In connection, Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc.(CPI), also announced the selection of famous actor Dingdong Dantes as the newest Caltex brand ambassador for his record-setting ways. 

This was revealed today during the media launch of Caltex’s latest campaign, Record Breaking Fuel, in partnership with Guinness World Records. The event also features, Record Rides, a two-part show produced by National Geographic that shows the journey of the attempt to set a World Record by Caltex.


Record Rides, puts two well-known TV personalities, adrenaline junkie and radio DJ, KC Montero and professional race car driver Natasha Chang on a mission to create the craziest, record breaking driving experiences in Asia. Their challenge is to conquer the summit of Thailand’s tallest mountain, Doi Chang Mountain Road using an everyday car powered by Caltex with Techron® fuels. Along with bragging rights, at stake is the Guinness World Record. It is a record that breaks new grounds as there is no such existing record and no effort has been done before using an everyday car. 

Doi Chang Mountain is located in Chiang Rai, the historical capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, home to misty mountains, colorful hill tribes and picture-postcard ancient Thai temples framed by blue skies and lush greenery.

“As a leading visual storyteller, National Geographic’s programming pillars of exploration, education and science resonate well with the Caltex brand. Hence, we are proud to partner with the channel to create Record Rides for our viewers and motorists in Asia. This show will demonstrate how Caltex with Techron® fuels can power an engine towards achieving an extraordinary journey,” says Brian Fisher, Caltex Brand Manager.

The two episodes of Record Rides on National Geographic, with Caltex as the sole presenting partner, is part of Caltex’s Fuel Power Challenge. A record timing of 6 minutes 52.692 seconds, the fastest ascent of Doi Chang Mountain Road by a car was set by Natasha Chang. 


“Caltex with Techron® is specially formulated to clean and protect engines. The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title achievement helps demonstrate how a clean engine powered by Techron® can function at its most optimum, which includes delivering maximum power to your wheels,” said Greg Engeler, Product Engineering Manager for Caltex.

With the world record powered by Caltex with Techron®, the campaign encourages drivers to fuel up with the same fuel that set a world record and experience its power in their everyday drive. The campaign rolls out in Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong from July to October 2019.

Caltex Philippines’ record-breaking endorser
 

Jose Sixto Gonzalez Dantes III known to many simply as Dingdong Dantes is a motorcycle enthusiast. A visit to his Instagram feed would show his love for the two-wheel ride. But more than his impressive collection of motorcycles, Dingdong’s various successes in life are so much more worth noting.

An exclusive talent of GMA 7, Dingdong touts the title GMA Primetime King and has under his belt numerous acting awards. He is also a TV host, a film producer and an entrepreneur – he co-owns a car dealership in Paranaque and manages his own film studio. He is also a sought after, effective celebrity endorser and influencer. He is also the founding chairman of the Yes Pinoy Foundation, an advocacy that caters to three functions: youth, education and service. Dingdong juggles all these together with being a husband and a loving father to two beautiful kids with Marian Rivera.

“All the things I’ve achieved in my life so far, I made them happen with hard work and passion. There may be a lot of challenges I have to face on the road to make my dreams happen but I keep going because I want to be the best version of myself,” shares Dingdong. “That’s why I’m happy to be chosen as Caltex’s newest brand ambassador. We share the same belief.”
  
“Dingdong Dantes is a great representation of our world-record breaking brand, embodying our brand’s main tagline and philosophy of “Enjoy the Journey”.  He fits Caltex’s personality - positive, friendly and adventurous that encourages people to enjoy the experience of whatever they’re doing and wherever they are going, ” said Louie Zhang, CPI Country Chairman. “His list of achievements is also clear proof of his determination to be at his personal best.  Just like Caltex. We embrace the difficult to achieve the extraordinary in our desire to provide the best premium quality fuels for motorists.”  
    
Watch out for exciting new journeys with Dingdong!

Caltex customers will be glad to know that the same Caltex with Techron they fill up with in their everyday journey is the same fuel that re...

Yes, you read that right. Shabunoki is a place where shabu shabu and samgyupsal are both being offered. M and I chanced upon this place one afternoon when I couldn't decide what I wanted to have for lunch. The words shabu shabu and samgyupsal caught my eye so we decided to go have a look. 
There weren't a lot of people when we went in which made me a little apprehensive. However, the friendliness of the staff immediately put me at ease.


It turns out that you either avail of the shabu shabu OR the samgyupsal. Both are available at Php499 per head so M and I decided to go with samgyupsal. For an additional Php150 per head, you also get unlimited wagyu cubes.


So what does the regular Php499 get you?

We got one kind of pork (but it' the good kind in my opinion,) two kind of beef, sausage, scallops, and shrimp. You also get 9 kinds of side dishes, shabu shabu soup, rice, and unlimited iced tea. I'd say that this is a really awesome deal.


I've been to Shabunoki twice, once with M and the other with my fam. We both enjoyed and felt that we got more than what we paid for. I've actually told people about this place because I really love the food and the service.



Shabunoki is located at BF Aguirre, right beside Meat Depot.

UPDATE: We went here yesterday July 14, 2019 and it was a bit of a madhouse. Though there were service lapses because they were understaffed, I'd still say that overall it was good and I'd still go back. The owners approached us and apologized and the servers really tried their best to make sure that all 14 of us get what we needed when we requested. 

Yes, you read that right. Shabunoki is a place where shabu shabu and samgyupsal are both being offered. M and I chanced upon this place o...

Since there seems to be a whole lot of talk going on about entitlement and what not, I've decided to share the little knowledge that I have on this topic. After all, I've been covering events for about 6 years now so I have had more than my fair share of crazy stories.

I've seen some of the worst and I kid you not, some of the things I have seen demanded by bloggers and instagrammers are just crazy. It makes me want to salute PR people who seem to always keep their cool during these times.


1. Learn to RSVP

When people invite you, you need to respond regardless if you are going or not. If you are going, make sure that you are aware of the time, date, ATTIRE, and location of the place. Most important, be sure to RSVP.

If you aren't going, tell the person why (if possible), apologize, and say thank you.


2. No +1

If the invitation is addressed just to you, it means it is ONLY YOU that has been invited.

So when is it okay to have a plus one?

In my opinion, if you have already formed a relationship with the person who invited you, you MAY ASK but not impose. If you are just a first time invitee, I would STRONGLY DISCOURAGE you to ask for a plus one. It is just not in good taste.

If you asked to bring a plus one and you were declined, RESPECT IT. Simply because you formed a relationship does not mean you are allowed to disrespect it and say "e friends naman kami e, okay lang yan" or be a total shithead and whine about it to others. 

Now if the invite states to bring your family, it is still right to advise the person how many you are so that they can prepare and make sure that everyone can be accommodated. Family means immediate family and not extended family.


DO NOT BRING YOUR RELATIVES.

3. Say YES only when you SHOULD

A lot of instances, people just say yes for the heck of it. YOU SHOULDN'T.

If you are a vegetarian, don't say yes to a food review of a steak place. If you are allergic to seafoods, don't say yes to a seafood review. If you believe in an ideology and the event that is being held goes against it, you can decline and tell the truth. It is not a bad thing.

Saying yes to everything is not a good thing because you will spread yourself thin.

4. Be on time.

If the invite says 3pm and you arrived at 3pm, you're late. If you arrive 15minutes early, then you're on time. If you're late, you could have the door shut on you.

If everyone actually practices this, the world will be a better place because people will know when to expect something and know that it will happen when it should.

Now I've been late a few times because traffic can be pretty erratic but as mentioned, it has been only a few times. Most of the time, I am early.

Fashionably late is just a term coined by those habitually late. You won't succeed in life if you are always late. Also, people will talk about you behind your back.

5. Be Gracious and Grateful

When you are at the event, be gracious. Do not demand. Do not impose. Talk to people. You were invited to the event so now is the time to mingle, get to know others, and be a lively guest. Lively, not someone who hogs all the attention. Be interested in other people's stories to become interesting to other people.


After the event, thank the host for inviting you and remembering you. It is the right thing to do.

Since there seems to be a whole lot of talk going on about entitlement and what not, I've decided to share the little knowledge that I h...

Philippine Stagers Foundation, a professional mobile theatre company from Manila presents an all original musical about love and the struggles of the Filipinos during World War II, under the Japanese regime, written and directed by Atty. Vincent M. Tanada and music by Pipo Cifra.


The dates of performances are from July 11, 2019 to March of 2020. The musical will be shown in select theatre venues all over the Philippines.

This is a story about the resiliency, sufferings and sacrifices of the Filipinos during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines being told through the eyes of four intertwined souls, brothers Felipe and Nestor, and their love interests Sofia and Emilia, respectively. The story will be narrated by a mute wanderer Tata Edong.

The difference between the brothers was very obvious in the onset, Nestor was more successful in school, and eventually he used all the things he learned in school to start a very successful shoe making business. On the other hand his older brother Felipe ended up ploughing the fields. Eventually they will realize the impact of the war, that everyone is a victim, and that it spares no one.
A quick look in our history would tell us, ten hours after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, Intramuros, Manila was decimated. The occupation of the Japanese led to the formation of HUKBALAHAP. USAFFE experienced a beating from the Japanese forces resulting to General Douglas MacArthur’s departure to Australia together with his troops. The remnants of the defenders of the Philippines were forced to march to their deaths in Bataan.

In these trying times the star-crossed lovers will traverse the challenges of Japanese tyranny, meeting an array of colourful characters such as the brothel owners Mauricia and Salvacion, and the father and son rebels, Gorio and Pancho. They will showcase the resilience of the Filipino spirit and prove to the world that despite all the odds, our freedom is fought by and won by the Filipinos. The brothers will go on their separate journey as a collaborator and a freedom fighter. This musical will fill in the gaps of our history and pay homage to all the unsung heroes of our land.
SINDAK 1941 will show the adverse effects of war and how morality is twisted just to survive.

The Philippines is the apex of the Second World War and the end of it is the turning point that would spell success or failure between the ruling powers. The Battle of Leyte Gulf is arguably the biggest Naval Battle in history. The two pairs will play major parts in this tragic battle. Lives will be lost, tragedy will be told, but SINDAK 1941 will give you a spectacular musical experience that would show our history through the eyes of our countrymen and how the resilience of the Filipinos won the day for the Philippines.

The Cast and crew

The musical will showcase a very talented pool of multi-awarded actors for theatre including Vince Tanada (Two-Time Aliw Awardee for Best Actor, Star Awards’ Best New Actor and Famas Awardee) and Jomar Bautista (Felipe); Patrick Libao and Johnrey Rivas (Nestor); Yesh Burce, Kath Medina and Vean Olmedo (Sofia); Cherry Bagtas and Rachelle Penaflor (Emilia); Franie Zamora, Joel Molina, Kuya Manzano and Chris Lim (MacArthur); Adel Ibarrientos (Mauricia); OJ Bacor (Salvacion); Neil Tolentino (Gorio); Dean Rafols (Pancho); Chin Ortega (Tata Edong), Gerald Magallanes (Masanobu), Gian Daquioag (Homma), Carl Adaron (Kunitake), Bea Martin (Cromwell) and the Aliw Awardee for Best Ensemble Cast, the actor’s pool of the Philippine Stagers Foundation.

The artistic team of SINDAK 1941 is composed of the following: Vince Tanada (Book, Lyrics and Direction), Pipo Cifra (Music), Carlon Josol Matobato (Choreography), Jeffrey Ambrosio (Set Design), Emy Tanada (Costume), Art Gabrentina (Lights and Sound Design), OJ Bacor (Production Management), JP Lopez (Associate Direction and Stage Management), Vino Oriarte (Photography), Alwin Llanes and Carlo Parungao (Video Editing).

Show Inquiries

The musical SINDAK 1941 will run from July 11, 2019 up to March 2020, to be shown in various theatre venues all over Metro Manila and select venues in various provinces all over the Philippines.

For ticket inquiries and show buyers you may get in touch with 0956-669-0335. For more updates, follow #sindak1941 and Philippine Stagers Foundation on Facebook, PHILIPPINE_STAGER for Instagram, and @philstagers on Twitter.

Philippine Stagers Foundation, a professional mobile theatre company from Manila presents an all original musical about love and the struggl...

One of the places that I've wanted to eat at in Evia is Teppanya. It took a couple of years but I finally got to try it out last week with M.


Teppanya has been in Evia since it opened a couple of years ago. This proves that Teppanya has a strong following who patronizes them. For me, that is always a good indication that a restaurant is good.

Now we were lucky enough to have the chef cook us something that was off the menu such as this sushi that was made of black rice with cuttlefish. What surprised me the most about this was that it actually had wasabi in the middle which actually complemented the entire thing.

I normally hate wasabi but with this dish, it was heaven!


This was the wagyu roll. I'm not sure if I got the name right because I was too busy savoring the taste of the meat and the tenderness of it. Even my Mom will approve of this dish and that's high praise when it comes from her.


Their fried rice was also really good ... good in a way that I could have eaten 2 big bowls all by myself.


Now this dish was definitely something that I have not seen presented this way. This Boston Lobster Tail with Dashi was actually quite a surprise. I think that it may be the dashi sauce but it definitely delivered a kick.


As for the Brazilian Tenderloin, I had mine medium well and I just loved every single one of it. It was tender, tasty, and had absolutely no blood.


M and I enjoyed this lunch. Initially I thought that I wouldn't be full but I went home with a smile on my face because I was so full. It is definitely worth a visit. 

The thing that I loved most was the price was not outrageous. It's not cheap but you are also not being held at gunpoint when it comes to paying the bill. Overall, I'd definitely recommend Teppanya for families celebrating something and couples who may want to splurge from time to time.

One of the places that I've wanted to eat at in Evia is Teppanya. It took a couple of years but I finally got to try it out last week wi...

With hundreds of different options to choose from, getting a new pair of sneakers can be a daunting experience if you are not sure what you are looking for. Whether you’re looking for sneakers with a purpose, such as for running, hiking, or playing a team sport, or simply want some stylish sneakers to wear for casual occasions and everyday wear, there are certainly a lot of selections to think about when it comes to finding the pair that not only suit your needs aesthetically, but also when it comes to style, shape, comfort, and much more. We’ve put together some top tips to help you pick the perfect pair of sneakers for your feet.


Consider Your Current Wardrobe
Bear in mind that the right pair of sneakers will look like they were made for the outfit that you’re wearing them with, so keep this in mind before you buy a pair of Gucci sneakers. The last thing that you want is to go for a style that’s too unique to go well with just about anything, especially if you are planning on spending a lot of money on a designer pair of trainers from SSENSE. Consider neutral colors and classic, timeless styles that you can be sure are going to be your perfect choice for thousands of future outfits.

Consider the Activities You’re Wearing Them For
Sneakers are certainly becoming more and more of a fashion purchase, but they are still definitely used for physical activity and sport on a daily basis. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sneakers to wear for activities, exercise and sports, it’s hugely important to consider the particular activity that you want to wear them for. Bear in mind that there are different styles and types of sneakers made for different sports and activities, so it’s always worth getting ones that are designed for the purpose that you need.

Make Sure That They’re Fitted Properly
It might be worth asking the store assistant to measure your feet before you invest in a new pair of trainers – never assume that, just because you have been the same shoe size all your life so far, this will stay the same. There are a lot of factors that can change your shoe size including weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or lower body injuries. In addition, you may find that your feet are different shoe sizes – if there is up to one shoe size difference, then buy a pair to accommodate the larger size, while any larger differences will probably need two different shoes sizes – there are plenty of options to consider so that you don’t have to buy two pairs of shoes.

Craftsmanship
Lastly, take a good look at your sneakers and study the craftsmanship to see how well made they are. The stitching, for example, is particularly important and will need to be sturdy enough to hold all the components of the shoe together, especially if you’re going to be using them for high-impact exercise.

With so many sneakers to choose from, it can take time to find the right pair for you.

With hundreds of different options to choose from, getting a new pair of sneakers can be a daunting experience if you are not sure what you ...