HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is excited to take you through the #HABIJourney at the 9 th Likhang HABI Market Fair on October 11 to 13 at the Glorietta 3 Activity Center in Makati City.

With the theme The Highlights of our HABI Journey, this year’s edition of the pioneer in artisan market fairs and textile advocacy promises to be an immersive experience.


The three-day fair will feature a HABI Craft Corner where visitors can learn the basics of weaving using pure Philippine cotton and other natural local fibers, and create their own woven products. HABI goers can also participate in the Community Craft Loom and learn modern weaving using different materials, textures, colors, and weaving techniques. There will also be workshops on macramé, the art of knotting.



In keeping with its goals of promoting Filipino culture and heritage, the Likhang HABI Market Fair will also have a Baybayin workshop with lessons on writing and understanding the pre-colonial ancient writing script of the Philippines. Cultural dance performances, traditional Filipino music from different regions of the country, and Filipino art installations will also be part of the fair.

“We encourage Likhang HABI fairgoers to immerse themselves in the beautiful weaving communities and traditional textiles of our country,” says HABI Chair Maribel Ongpin. “We will have participating weavers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao so the opportunity to learn at the fair is endless.”


With 52 participating merchants from all over the Philippines, the 9th Likhang HABI Market Fair will showcase sustainable and ethical fashion and other lifestyle products using traditional textiles such as habol negrense from Negros Occidental, yakan from Basilan, inaul from Maguindanao, binubudan from Ifugao, binakol and abel from Ilocos, tepina from Palawan, and many more.

Several merchants will also present contemporary Filipino fabrics such as cotton ikat and cotton abaca, a result of combining pure Philippine cotton with other indigenous fabrics. Promoting the use of pure Philippine cotton is one of the long-term commitments of HABI.


“There is an abundance of beautiful fabrics in the Philippines and we want to show that these fabrics
from different corners of the Philippines can be a part of our modern lifestyle,” says HABI President
Adelaida Lim.


Another highlight of the fair is the awarding of the 2nd Lourdes Montinola Piña Prize, which recognizes exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of the delicate process of turning pineapple threads into work of art.


Likhang HABI Market Fair 2019 will also feature a talk on sustainable shoemaking and why it is important to support the local shoemaking industry.


Since 2009, HABI has been providing traditional weavers and local weaving communities a platform to further enhance their skills in creative design and modern marketing by exchanging ideas with consumers, designers, and traders. The Likhang HABI Market Fair allows them to innovate and to level up to modern trends.



For more information, please visit www.habitextilecouncil.ph or follow www.facebook.com/HabiThePhilTextileCouncil and Instagram @habifair.

HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is excited to take you through the #HABIJourney at the 9 th Likhang HABI Market Fair on October 11 t...

Are you ready to heed the siren's call?

With seafaring folklore as her origin, the iconic Starbucks Siren is not a far cry from the legend. In her own way, the enigmatic beauty continues to call on those with a passion for quality coffee.


 Just as sirens enchant seafarers with music, the Starbucks Siren sings the brand’s rich story with this year’s Starbucks® Anniversary blend, Anniversary Card, and its stunning Anniversary Merchandise collection.


An annual tradition continues as the Starbucks Anniversary Blend returns with its bold and full-bodied coffee flavor and distinctive spice notes. Made with the finest blend of beans from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and enhanced with the addition of the iconic Sumatra, this favorite will be available in VIA® and Whole Bean. This year, the Starbucks Anniversary Blend will feature a fresh interpretation of the siren on its packaging.

Celebrating the brand and its muse is the mystical Starbucks Anniversary collection, featuring design and illustrations of aquatic elements in turquoise blue, gold, and silver accents. With items including mugs, tumblers, and an adorable Starbucks Bearista siren, the collection showcases the ethereal beauty of the Siren.


Complete the set of the celestial muse of the sea with the Starbucks Anniversary Card which depicts the siren’s tail in varying shades of blue. The card will be available for an initial activation amount of ₱500 per card.

For Starbucks’ Anniversary, heed the Siren’s call and dive deep into your coffee passions with the brand’s exciting offerings!

Are you ready to heed the siren's call? With seafaring folklore as her origin, the iconic Starbucks Siren is not a far cry from the le...

Ensuring that your kids eat healthily can be a running battle daily, especially when junk foods and fast foods are so readily available at the touch of a button. Home cooking is touted as one of the best ways to help kids get proper nutrition; you basically know what they are eating under your watch. Why not go one better and let your kids join the fun by cooking together? Get started with some of our favorite child-approved dishes that are not only easy to make, but healthy to eat!


  
1.    Make Your Own Tacos
Yes, taco night can also be an opportunity for a healthy dinnertime. You can easily achieve this by setting up a selection of taco fillings for your kids to pile into baked taco shells. Instead of very greasy picadillo, sour cream, and other heavy toppings, try out lightly seasoned chicken, fresh salsa, beans, and other healthier options. Not only is it a chance for kids to have fun and get creative, but it’s also a way to create great memories with the family!

2.    Pizza Pockets
Just like tacos, pizzas need not be banned from a health-conscious household. Putting a healthy twist to homemade pizzas is one way to let your kids enjoy the fun of having pizza while making sure they are well nourished. Instead of frozen crust, try whole wheat pita bread to make pizza pockets. Your kids can fill these up with an endless variety of healthy fillings, and top it off with low fat or vegan cheeses that will surely entice even the pickiest eater.

3.    Chicken Wraps/Roll Ups
Want to get the kids involved in prepping their lunches? Teach them to make roll ups! Chicken strips in particular lend themselves well to being main ingredients in wraps and sandwiches. You can pair the chicken meat with diced tomatoes and other savory vegetables, and use low fat sauces and dressings for extra flavour. Taking things up a notch? Try using a lettuce wrap to hold everything together!

4.    Mac And Cheese Casserole
You really cannot go wrong with macaroni and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food for both kids and adults. Put a healthy spin on this favorite by turning mac & cheese into a casserole filled with nutritious ingredients. The great part about casseroles is that pretty much anything goes; you can toss in any combination of meats or fish, mix in vegetables for variety and flavour, and top everything off with light sauces. Need some added crunch? Try dusting cornflakes over the top of the casserole.

5.    Yogurt Parfaits
Need a healthy alternative to ice cream? Try yogurt! Since yogurt can be an acquired taste for many kids, help them along by layering yogurt with other ingredients such as fruit, rice krispies, and even cereal. Kids can fill a jar or tall glass with alternating layers of yogurt and other fillings, dust the parfait with chocolate powder or sprinkles, and pop the entire parfait in the fridge to set. Simple and good.

6.    Oatmeal Chocolate Snack Cakes
Budding bakers will appreciate the opportunity to make healthy goodies such as snack cakes. Oatmeal is easily mixed in with other dry ingredients for cake and provides body and extra fibre. Contrary to expectations, chocolate need not be banned also from your home; in moderation it is an excellent treat and incentive for kids. Limit the sugar added to the cake or use semi sweet chocolate chips to keep this treat healthy!

7.    Trail Mix
Help abolish the urge to reach for a bag of chips or a pack of sweets by teaching kids to keep their own trail mix on hand. Trail mix can be made from any combination of nuts and dried fruit, adjusted for your kids’ appetites and preferences. Let kids mix up their personal trail mixes every few days, and offer them a variety of ingredients to keep their interest piqued.

These recipes all have variations available online, and can be easily adjusted for your family’s needs and tastes. With a little fun and participation, kids will quickly learn that eating healthy does not mean eating boring!

Ensuring that your kids eat healthily can be a running battle daily, especially when junk foods and fast foods are so readily available at t...

Gray skies and storms can really out a damper on the plans and spirits of enthusiasts of outdoor activities such as gardening. Regardless of the season, there are always tips and tricks that anyone can use to keep that green thumb nurtured. Read on for 7 of our gardening tips to help cope with rainy days, and those few occasions when the sun is out!

Rain, Rain Go Away

1.    Make New Green Spaces in the House
All that time indoors is a great opportunity to survey all the idle or unused areas in the house, which would otherwise be filled with dust and clutter. Perhaps one or more of these places can benefit from a little greenery? See if there are corners that can accommodate a new potted plant, or if windowsills and terraces can be converted into mini-gardens. Just make sure your new green spaces have adequate sunlight, and will not pose harm to small children or pets in residence!

2.    Plant Good Things to Eat
Decided on a kitchen garden? You’re in luck! This is the best place to plant stuff that can literally go from your pot to your table. You can start with a simple row of basic kitchen herbs such as basil and rosemary, or go as far as planting vegetables. If you are feeling ambitious, try salad greens such as lettuces and various sprouts? Best of all, you can be sure the stuff you are putting in your food is free of harmful pesticides and other chemicals.

3.    Spruce Up Pots and Planters
Nothing spells “monotonous” more than row upon row of featureless plastic or terracotta pots. Bring some cheer into your indoor planting by trying out new pots and planters of different shapes and colors. If you have a DIY streak, you can convert large tins, buckets, or just about any receptacle into a pot. Just make sure that your new pot has enough drainage so that your plants will not get waterlogged.

4.    Try Out Cuttings
Cuttings are the easiest way to propagate a wide variety of ornamental and kitchen plants. This is particularly true of plants that are difficult to raise from seeds. Since the extreme heat of summer is over, small cuttings have a better chance of surviving. Cuttings can be easily nurtured in small pots or receptacles kept indoors until they gain enough roots and height to be transplanted outside. If successful, cuttings can be even given away as presents or made part of a small business! 

Here Comes the Sun

5.    Build a Bird House
Our feathered friends also come up short on food and shelter during the rainy season. Help them out by building a bird house in their favorite tree on your property and filling it up with some bird seed ever so often. In return, birds will help keep your garden free of pests and cheer up the place with their unique songs.

6.    Prune and Prune
Plants can benefit from a good trim every now and then. The rainy season is a good time to prune since plants can recover more easily when they do not have to contend with rising temperatures. On a sunny or slightly overcast day, take out those pruning shears and lop off dead and dying branches, or branches that pose a potential hazard to power lines and other infrastructure during storms. One caveat though: for tall trees, ask help from professionals.

7.    Raise the Beds
Keep your delicate plants from being swamped during storms by taking the opportunity to raise their planters or beds. This might require some restructuring in the garden, so it is best to wait for a good weather forecast before executing this project. Regardless of location or height of plant beds, always reinforce their walls and check for cracks that may grow larger with water damage.

Gardening is a noble pursuit that need not wait for clear skies; in fact it is something that should be done regardless of the season. We hope these tips will help you maintain your home garden and perhaps even bring a little of it indoors on the bleakest days.

Gray skies and storms can really out a damper on the plans and spirits of enthusiasts of outdoor activities such as gardening. Regardless of...

So you’re married! Congratulations! After all the fuss and bother of wedding preps and setting up for a life together, you newlyweds surely deserve a relaxing and fun honeymoon. Get your marriage off to an excellent start by jetting off to one (or more) of these destinations made for two!


  
1.    La Union
Get the finest of sun, sand, and surf in this up and coming province in Luzon. Apart from its rising reputation as a surfing spot and festival site, La Union has its share of idyllic resorts perfect for a romantic getaway. Be swept off your feet in the Grecian inspired hideaways at Poro Point or take in the natural vistas and pure shores in San Juan! Many of the accommodations in these lovely spots have amenities such as beach side cabanas, spas, 5-star dining and other niceties to suit your tastes and preferences. La Union makes an excellent base for short trips to Pangasinan or Illocos Sur, which are also renowned for their beaches, excellent cuisine, and historical sites.



2.    Batanes
Are you lovebirds also shutterbugs? Then look no further than Batanes for some of the best landscapes in the world. Batanes is perfect for those craving both solitude and adventure; it is far off from the beaten track and has many opportunities for mountain biking and island hopping. The vistas of this province are worth capturing both in camera and as memories. Feeling more sedentary? Sample the local cuisine or simply cozy up together in sight of the wild seas and rugged cliffs just a stone’s throw away from your room.

3.    Bohol
The island province of Bohol provides the best of both worlds when it comes to honeymoon destinations: world class amenities alongside a myriad of activities and day trips great for vacationing couples. There are many hotels and resorts within and around Tagbilaran City, or on the beautiful island of Panglao a short drive away. These cushy accommodations are a short walk or drive away from white sand beaches perfect for those seeking to commune with nature. You can even try something new together such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and other water sports thanks to all the waterfront facilities tied to these resorts.  Beaches aren’t your thing? Head inland to visit the renowned Chocolate Hills or take a lunchtime cruise down the idyllic Loboc River.

4.    Camiguin
Another island province that should be on your list of top destinations is Camiguin. Located a short boat ride away from Butuan or Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin boasts some of the most unspoiled sights in this part of Mindanao. There is no shortage of things to do: whale watching, scuba diving, snorkelling, or simply sunbathing and splashing on the beach. Camiguin is also renowned for its hot springs, which flow from the slopes of the volcano Mount Hibok-Hibok. What more could you ask for in order to relax?
 
5.    Tagaytay
Can’t get away from the metropolis for too long? Then head up to Tagaytay for a weekend (and some) of much needed R&R. This city is known for its crisp and cool breezes that are perfectly coupled with mainstays such as piping hot bulalo and aromatic kape barako enjoyed while taking in the breath-taking sight of Taal Lake. There is no shortage of places to stay in Tagaytay: you can pick from large hotels such as Taal Vista or cozy hideaways such as Sonya’s Garden. From here you can wine and dine on any of the lovely restaurants along Tagaytay ridge, or take daytrips to surrounding towns such as Nasugbu, Amadeo, and Silang. Staying in? Avail of spa services or other in-house amenities that help make Tagaytay the city for rejuvenation.

Although extended honeymoons in London, Paris and other cities remain dream favorites, the Philippines has much to offer for newlyweds needing breathing room before heading on into the realities of married life together.  This might be the only time for a while that it will be just you two, away from the world! We hope that this list will help you consider visiting the Philippines to celebrate the start of a new chapter in your lives. Once again, congratulations!

So you’re married! Congratulations! After all the fuss and bother of wedding preps and setting up for a life together, you newlyweds surely ...

Even in this digital and information age, there are plenty of naysayers who deride the Internet and technology as “distractions” and hindrances to productivity. However, there are many useful apps developed by busy innovators designed to help their tribe: people who must make sense of loads of schedules and information, or who must at least begin to get organized in their work and personal pursuits. Are you one of those people? Then check out some of our apps that can help you stay focused on tasks and make the best use of your time each day!




1.    To-Do
Is your to-do list all over the place, or are you having trouble keeping up with reminders? Do you end up forgetting to send important emails? Are you having trouble keeping track of reminders and posts scattered across different apps? Solve all of that with To-Do, your one-stop app for organizing. Not only does it keep your schedules, timetables, and event calendars all in one location, it can be used to coordinate your emails and sync with your other apps. Basically, you will never need to wade through a sea of screens again! If you’ve been using Wunderlist, this app is touted as being its successor, making migration an easy thing.

2.    Evernote
Are you the sort who comes up with solutions while away from your desk or office? Never lose an idea again with this tried and true app, Evernote. More than being a simple onscreen jot pad, Evernote can also function as a to-do list and organizer. It can also be used to scan and organize handwritten notes, making it perfect for those who still prefer notebooks and sticky notes for the initial processes of brainstorming. Like other apps in its league, Evernote is easy to sync with your email and with other work apps, thus making it easier for you to go from merely scratching out ideas all the way to presenting them in a meeting.
 
3.    Pocket
It happens: you are looking through an interesting article, something comes up, and you lose track of what you were reading….and can never find it again. Nix the frustration with Pocket, which allows you to save articles, videos, and tabs for later use and reference. You can organize and curate your saved tabs under various headers to help you access them more easily. Although originally designed for desktop, it has since evolved to interface on various mobile platforms, making it your ultimate on-the-go repository for your hobbies and interests.

4.    Forest
Is hopping on and off your social media eating up too much of your time? Are you often glued to your screen when you really should be at work? Abolish these habits with the help of Forest, a fun app that will keep you productive and your screen occupied for as long as you need to. The longer you stay focused on your task, the longer you can grow your forest---and your progress is set back if you open another app on your phone or switch out to do something else. Need added support? Use the leaderboard so you and your friends can see who can grow their forest the longest!

5.    Calm
Sometimes the dizzying pace of work may leave you frazzled and unfocused. Keep your head cool and your pace unhurried with the help of Calm. This app offers a wide range of background music, guided and unguided meditations, and other exercises that can help you stay centred throughout the day. You can even use this app to help you slowly wind down once work is done and get a restful sleep at night. Now that is one way to build your productivity!

There is a whole sea of productivity apps out there, designed for all kinds of work habits and schedules. After all there is no one solution to the varying stresses and bugaboos that plague the workplace; only strategies to manage each situation and collaborate for better teamwork. We hope that our recommendations will help you find the app, or combination of apps that will enhance your productivity and improve your work-life balance. Good luck.

Even in this digital and information age, there are plenty of naysayers who deride the Internet and technology as “distractions” and hindran...

Even ordinary people deserve to look good.

This was the one statement that stuck with me during the launch of AUMA Styling Firm.

You can be wearing the most ordinary of clothing and style but once paired with the right accessory, color, belt, or shoes, any plain Jane can stand out from the crowd and this is something that AUMA wishes to achieve for the average Filipino.


What began as a clothing line in 2017, AUMA slowly evolved into a fashion styling firm—aptly named AUMA Fashion Styling Firm—that‘s passionate in helping people discover their best selves through a developed sense of personal style.

AUMA Fashion Styling Firm was born from a strong love for fashion, a keen eye for style, and a collaborative mindset. Its stylists and associates see style as an expression of one’s wants, desires, and self-image. 


 “Auma is the combination of two people’s names who meant a lot to me. You can say, Auma came from love and it’s my passion and love for style and fashion that will always sustain it”, says Founder and Head Stylist, Mika Cabrera.

The young entrepreneur and fashion advocate started as a stylist under the mentorship of Metro Magazine’s Creative Director, Eldzs Mejia. Straight from fashion school, Mika delved straight into creating her own brand, empowered and determined to make a difference in the fashion community.


More than putting clothes on, AUMA strives to spread the message that the way we present ourselves to the world has an effect on our personal well-being. It wants to eliminate the stereotype of fashion being just a superficial expression of oneself. AUMA’s purpose is to carve out people’s authentic selves and that includes figuring out or enhancing their take on their own style and fashion.


AUMA recognizes that its client's personal style and styling needs are a journey in which they are meant to guide, edit, punctuate—and never dictate. AUMA Fashion Styling Firm is in the business of making fashion one less thing to worry about, developing confidence through well-selected and curated looks, and giving a wider group of people access to quality and premium styling without the hefty bill that often comes with it.

Even ordinary people deserve to look good. This was the one statement that stuck with me during the launch of AUMA Styling Firm. You can...

Now that I am 5 months in this pregnancy, the baby bump is becoming more and more pronounced. It's also making me feel more excited because soon enough, I will be able to buy things for the baby. Since I don't know yet if the baby is a boy or a girl, I need to be careful of the colors that I buy as well as the design.

Thankfully, Babyflo has come up with a new line that is suitable for any gender because this is meant for all babies.


We all have different skin types, and your bundle joy’s skin has its own special needs. Baby skin is thinner than adult skin. It is also fragile, and it gets easily damaged. That’s why you should use products especially formulated for baby’s skin, and there’s no better way to show your baby’s skin some love than with Babyflo.

Baby’s bath time is a breeze with Babyflo Soap-free Bath. Mild and gentle for baby’s delicate skin, Babyflo Soap-free Bath helps cleanse, soothe, and soften skin without drying it. It has no bubbles, and no scent, which means no problems! Babyflo Soap-free Bath is also paraben-free, which means no risk for potentially harmful chemicals, and preservatives, and non-comedogenic, which entails that it cleanses without clogging pores or aggravating the skin. Its formula is so gentle you can even use it on newborn babies! Soap-free cleansers are widely recommended by doctors for infant use in bathing.

Your baby’s skin needs more loving after bath time, and to keep it soft and warm, there’s Babyflo Baby Oil. To gently clean your bundle of joy’s sensitive ears, Babyflo has different types of cotton buds.

All throughout the day, Babyflo is every mom’s ally for baby’s needs. To keep baby smelling fresh and huggable all day, there’s Babyflo Cologne, which comes in six amazing scents. To ensure every diaper change is hassle-free, Babyflo offers Babyflo Wipes and Petroleum Jelly.

From baby time to playtime, Babyflo offers a wide range of products for every mother’s wish list. A reliable partner for all mothers, BabyFlo offers a complete range of premium quality baby care products at an affordable price

BabyFlo products are available in all leading supermarkets, Mercury Drug stores nationwide and Lazada. For more information, like BabyfloPH on Facebook, and follow Babyflo_ph on Instagram.

Now that I am 5 months in this pregnancy, the baby bump is becoming more and more pronounced. It's also making me feel more excited beca...

I've always gone to Saboten when I have a craving for Katsu. It serves one of the best katsu in town at a really reasonable price. However, when I went to Saboten around a week ago, I found out that they also serve Shabu Shabu now.


This shabu shabu set costs Php799 if I remember correctly and already serves two people.


If you're looking for something not so light but also not heavy for your meal, this is absolutely perfect especially with the bipolar weather happening around us where it's sunny one minute and then it rains cats and dogs the next.

The soup hits the spot, the meat is cooked just right, the mushrooms and veggies add more flavor and the noodles are exactly what is needed to give you comfort.


Saboten is located at Serendra, near Moto Moto.

I've always gone to Saboten when I have a craving for Katsu. It serves one of the best katsu in town at a really reasonable price. Ho...

Most of the time, when we hear of the words 9.9 Sale, we think Php9 sale or 90% on items being sold. However, Lazada is set to break the norm and offer so much more because this is how they show value to their customers.


Aside from discovering “deals for every side of you” through Lazada’s 9.9 Big Discovery Sale held on September 9, 2019 from midnight to 11.59pm, there will also be a wide product assortment of over 9 million deals up to 90% off, spanning local sellers, leading international brands and cross-border products will be available across Lazada’s marketplace, LazMall and LazGlobal.

But wait, there's more!

1. Lazada’s New Pre-Sale Solution

You no longer need to miss out on the items you have been eyeing with Lazada’s new pre-sale feature giving new and loyal Lazada shoppers a head start and more time to discover and lock in their purchases.

Simply order the item, place a 10% non-refundable deposit, settle the balance within the validity period, then wait for your order to arrive at your doorstep! Do note that the new pre-sale feature is only applicable to selected items and that the deposit s non-refundable.

2. Convenient Bills Payment

Discover a more convenient way of settling your bills with Lazada’s newest bills payment scheme. You can now pay for your Meralco, Maynilad, Manila Water, Albay Power & Energy, Davao Light, VECO, Metropolitan Cebu Water and Prime Water bills in the Lazada app. You can also enjoy up to Php 300 cashback when bills are paid using the Lazada Wallet from now till November 2019.

3. Accessible Collection Points

For Filipino shoppers who are always on-the-go, they can now pick up items at their preferred time, making it convenient to continue hustling throughout the day without worrying about package deliveries. Choose from an extensive selection of Lazada authorized collection points spread-out all-over Manila in select SM Malls and GrowSari branches. Just add to cart and select pickup instead of delivery when you shop checkout your items.

Here is the full list of Lazada Philippines collection points: https://pages.lazada.com.ph/wow/i/ph/PHCampaign/collection-point

4. Personal Consumer Loans

Get items out of your wish list and into your shopping cart with the help of Lazada’s new consumer loans feature. You can now apply for a loan for as low as Php500 to a maximum of Php50,000 from Lazada-trusted e-financing partners such as BillEase, pera247 and TendoPay.

All you need to do is complete the application process and submit all needed requirements. Once approved, loan amount will be credited to your Lazada Wallet which you can use upon checkout.

Loan schemes will be offered in one to 12 months repayment options to help reduce the pressure of having to shell out a hefty amount at one go for big purchases.

5. First in the Philippines E-commerce Exclusive Helicopter Flight Experience with Ascent

Tour in style within Metro Manila and nearby tourist destinations like Tagaytay by purchasing Ascent digital vouchers on Lazada in time for 9.9 Big Discovery Sale. Partnering with Ascent is a shared goal to provide a new and exciting way to discover and see the beauty of country from a different view.

Don’t miss out on a bigger and better Lazada 9.9 Big Discovery Sale and find out more by visiting:

Lazada.com.ph
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter 

Most of the time, when we hear of the words 9.9 Sale, we think Php9 sale or 90% on items being sold. However, Lazada is set to break the nor...