Press Releases: to post or not to post?

One of the things that have long hounded bloggers is whether or not to accept press release posting on their site, especially those that promise nothing in return.

You'd probably think, "why should I accept that?" You could also ask, "should I accept that?"

Since I have been blogging for almost 14 years now and I've had the chance to speak with industry leaders in marketing, PR, brands, and other bloggers, I feel that I can give a few advise on whether or not you should accept press releases.

You should accept press release posting on your site even when you get nothing in return for the following reasons:

1. You are still very new; less than a year old. The reason I encourage you to accept them is for you to LEARN from the style of writing, the tone, and how it was worded. Getting yourself exposed to different modes of write up will allow you to find your own style, voice, and niche.

2. You love the brand. This is one way of building a relationship with the brand. I know this to be true because I've done this when my site was new and up to the time it was about 8 years. If I knew the brand, I'd gladly post their story on my site.

3. You like the story. Your blog (unless it's a personal blog) was created to spread information. If the story is good and something that would benefit your readers, why wouldn't you share it? If the story is good but you don't want to share it just because you did not get a loot, swag, or token, then you are in this for the wrong reasons.

4. To help out. Sometimes, brands may not have enough budget or PRs have limited ones and they just need your help. It wouldn't kill you to post the story on your site would it?

So there you go. 4 reasons why you should say yes. Of course, these are just my opinion and I based it on feedback given by brands, advise given by PR directors, and personal encounters.

PS. If you wish to decline though, here are a couple of no-no's when doing so.

1. Do not send an email belittling them or insulting the person. This is a small world. People talk.
2. Do not post on social media about your outrage. It will not solve anything. Small world, people talk.

Instead, what you can do is:

1. Send an email informing them that you wish to no longer receive press releases and state your reasons why. Do it in a calm, professional manner.
2. If you know the person, you can also just send a private message if you feel the email would be too formal but always speak to someone in a respectful manner.

Hope that helped you out. 

Zenfone Max Pro M2 Lifestyle Review

When you hear that someone is doing a review of a phone, you expect tech terms that no one outside the tech world understands. However, when I do a review, I try to make it as simplified as possible not because I want to dumb things down but because it is also the only way I know how to do my tech reviews.

Last December, I was able to review the Zenfone Max Pro M2 and almost 6 months later, I was able to do another review to see if it was still performing the way it should be.

I was able to use it for a month straight and used it to cover events. A lot of times, I had to use it from sunrise to sundown and not once did I need to recharge the phone. It also did not heat up even when I had a coverage in the mountains, under 45degree heat.

ACTION SHOT TAKEN

These photos were taken using the Zenfone Max Pro M2 phone while it was on video mode. The clarity is actually impressive.

The colors are also very sharp. This gumamela was really this red and it captured the color quite sharply.

The bokeh feature is also really good. I like how it highlights things but still show every detail.

The things that I loved about this phone are the following:

1. 5,000 mAh Battery capacity for long hours of capturing moments via video which is something I have been doing a lot of. I think I've been able to upload more than 20 videos in less than a month because of this phone.

2. Qualcomm™ Snapdragon™ 660 for the best and smoothest performance. Since my phone doesn't hang, I don't lose moments and the experience has been amazing.

3. 19:9 FHD+ Display for immersive viewing experience. I can easily view things after I capture them and know how it will look on the big screen.

4. 12MP+5MP Dual rear cameras, secondary camera for portrait/bokeh mode. This has been highlighted in the photos above.

5. Comes with 13 AI scene detections, easily detecting the subject matter and applying the right settings for it. This is so amazing especially when I try to capture photos of my cat who hates the camera.

Watch the video below to see more of my review.



VIDEO taken using #ZenfoneMaxProM2 #BatteryKing


1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JiUCL2NLM0&t=2s
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNm_c-Si2h8&t=3s
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXpsIdCWzv0
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5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTNG7yjEWDw&t=50s
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H7x31Px8-0&t=303s
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8yZVGM-A4A
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfn0G7mcP2k
9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir1G0LiiAHw
10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn6h-ydz_Nk
11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI_9iDIKsNE
12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g_aEtRzh3E&t=8s
13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T808wmLElI
14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BRcrulevpE
15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWkY4zVunJ8&t=2s
16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9jjsFNWG7Q
17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnFHSArrM-E&t=9s\
18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km1wN71-B2Y&t=10s
19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxyJUKHAbbo
20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b0qL9aN12E

Cheez Whiz is your Kid's Breakfast Partner

It's back to school for a lot of kids which means it's time for Moms to prep breakfast at dawn once more. As we all know, dawn is never the best time to be thinking of what can be nutritious enough to start our kids day. Thankfully, my son's school year hasn't started so I still have time to hoard for us some Cheez Whiz.

Our kids need all the nourishment they can get to fuel them not only for the day but throughout the night especially when they need to battle assignments and projects. As parents, we can help our children stray strong throughout the day by having them take sandwiches filled with Cheez Whiz.

When I was a kid, this was one of my most favorite merienda or baon. With its strength building nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphorus, Cheez Whiz is not only delicious but it's nutrients can help prepare kids for the moments where they will need strength.

My son loves Cheez Whiz on his pandesal. My sister, on sliced bread. I, on the other hand, have discovered the beauty of Cheez Whiz on nachos, crostini, and puto.

Last June 5, Cheez Whiz held a Strength Builders Camp at the SM Megamall Activity Area where kids 6 years old and above got to enjoy physical activities that allowed them to showcase their strength. To find out more about what happened, please watch the video below.




Available at all grocery stores and supermarkets, Cheez Whiz comes in different variants: Original, Pimiento, and Mild. To know more, you can also follow them on Facebook and Instragram @CheezWhizPH

3 Ways to Care for Sensitive Teeth at Home

Sensitive teeth is one of the most horrible feelings on Earth. You're just about to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or eat ice cream when it hits you.

You cringe, roll over, and just wonder, "Why God why?!?!"

Okay, that was a bit melodramatic but you get what I'm saying right? Having sensitive teeth is not a joke.

Tooth sensitivity is a dental condition that causes discomfort or pain in teeth when encountering certain substances and temperatures. It occurs when the dentine underneath the tooth enamel becomes exposed, revealing small holes called tubules.

When the fluid inside these tiny tubules encounters something cold, hot, sweet, or sour, it can trigger the nerves inside the tooth and cause a short, sharp pain. 

Last week, I was able to attend a launch with Sensodyne where they discussed ways and measures to prevent teeth sensitivity. Good thing my family and I already use Sensodyne so when we were asked to do a test, I passed with flying colors.

We were also put into groups and my group and I ended up winning because we were all competitive. 

So, what are ways we can do to handle sensitive teeth at home?

finding words that causes tooth sensitivity

1. Desensitizing toothpaste. When you use Sensodyne Rapid Relief, the unique technology in Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste offers fast relief and long lasting protection to beat sensitivity. It has an active ingredient called stannous fluoride which enables faster blockage of the tubules. It also has an optimised polymer system that creates a gel-like scaffold which holds the stannous fluoride in place, preventing it from being washed away in the mouth.

2.  Avoid or lessen the intake of highly acidic foods. Some examples are coffee, soda, and meat.

3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.


Tooth sensitivity will never completely go away but with proper handling and care, you can avoid it and enjoy your food and drink without sudden pains.

The Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste retails at P208 SRP and is available at leading stores nationwide. For more information about Sensodyne Rapid Relief, visit sensodyne.com.ph.

You can also watch the video below to see what happened during the launch.

I am Grateful ...

Today did not start out great. I was scheduled for a final interview which I prayed for last night and 25 minutes before the interview was about to happen, I was told that it was no longer pushing through because the client backed out.

I wanted to say, "well F U to that!" but I chose to say, "oh okay, thanks."

I figured, there really was no point in lashing out.

Yes, I may not have had enough sleep.
Yes, I may have woken up at 7am.
Yes, I have not had a cup of coffee.

Still ....

I remember my prayer last night. It was actually very specific.

This morning, HE answered. It seems that I am meant to pursue my own blog and channel, scary as that sounds.

For a moment, I felt bad. It seems that what HE wanted was not what I wanted simply because I'm scared out of my head about venturing into really pursuing my blog and my channel.

My blog has been something personal for me for the last 13 years. Yes, I cover events and I do reviews but it was still personal. I never really pushed it that hard or monetize it and the thought of doing this is just terrifying.

I went through my day mulling things over and snapping at people. It was not a good feeling. Afternoon came and I saw my sister graduate from senior high school.

I was teary eyed.

I realized ...

I don't have something that I need but I have so many things that I never asked for.

I have an awesome family that loves me, supports me, and cheers me on.
I have a boyfriend who is faithful and is there for me no matter what.
I have friends who are real.
I have people around me who just want what's good for me.

We are all healthy.
We are all safe.
We have more than what is basic.
We are loved.

I also chanced upon a YouTube channel that just made me feel more calm and grounded. Tonight was the first time that I saw this channel but I subscribed not only to her YT channel but also her Pinterest, Instagram, and blog.

She's that awesome.

I've also been able to edit and upload a video in just 1.5 hours so I'm pretty hyped. I hope you guys can watch.



Today may not have started out great but I chose to end the day on a great note.

Sun Life launches new Partnerships

One of the best things about brands nowadays is the collaborations being done. When two or more brands who have the same values get together, it's always a win for the consumer. This is what happened when last week, Sun Life announced it's partnerships with not one, but two well known brands who also share the same passion that they have.

C: https://mommshies.com/

Sun Life and Waze

I have been a user of Waze since 2012, even way before it became popular. I loved that it was so accurate and really helpful. When Sun Life announced it's partnership with Waze, I was really excited because I also have an insurance plan with Sun Life.

Road safety is such a big deal for me because I have a son. I also had a cousin who was hit by a motorbike while waiting for a bus. I've been in car accidents too.

Dubbed "Brighter Drive, Brighter Life," the initiative will alert Waze users on accident prone areas. This is vital because it serves as an extra reminder to be more diligent. There will also be a reminder for Waze users who are also registered Lazada members to insure themselves with a digital life insurance plan from Sun Life such as Life Armor. This can actually be bought for as low as Php100.

Sun Life and Fitness First 

The other partnership is all about fitness. Sun Life and Fitness First will include additional club benefits and preferential rates for Sun Life client, advisors, and employees via GoWell, Sun Life's health and wellness community.

They can get free health assessment where Boditrax will be used. This is a state of the art technology that gives a precise body composition analysis. Sun Life clients will also enjoy a complimentary one day workout pass and discounted membership.

When brands like these partner, everyone wins. When you have a Sun Life program backing you up, the world becomes your playground. Have you gotten one yet?

3 Things You Need to Live a Better Life

Nowadays, Filipinos are becoming more finance savy. You'd see a lot of people coming up with different ways to save money such as PISO a day, the invisible money syndrome, and applying the 50/30/20 process.

However, it seems that when it comes to insurance and investment, Filipinos are still not that knowledgeable about it.

"This was revealed in a nationwide study of 1,200 respondents conducted by Kantar Milward Brown and commissioned by Sun Life Financial Philippines ("Sun Life”).
 
According to the study, 68% of Filipinos were concerned about saving for emergencies, 62% on securing their family’s future, and 57% on retirement. In order to address these priorities, 62% said they are managing their finances while 54% are spending only on things that are planned. Only 39% replied that they were investing their money in order to fund their goals.
 
Many pointed to their financial situation as a reason for not availing of life insurance or mutual fund products, where an average of 44% said that these products are considered as added expenses rather than tools to be financially secure. Moreover, it appears that lack of knowledge was also a factor, where 16% admitted they knew little about life insurance, 15% confessed to not knowing much about accident insurance, and 17% felt the same way about health insurance."

So, why should you insure and invest?

Life 

The reason you need to have life insurance in my opinion is not for yourself but for the people you will leave behind. If you are working for your family, kids, or someone you love, YOU NEED TO GET INSURED.

It's never too late as well. I got my first life insurance only this year. I'm 38. I'll be done paying when I'm 48. It costsPhp2000 a month which in reality is just 10 Starbucks Venti Drinks.

Health 

If you can get health insurance, then so much better. If you get gym memberships, you should have health insurance. Getting sick without insurance is so scary because medical bill can really kill you.

Wealth

If you can get started with investment, do so. You don't need to take big risks. You can be a conservative investor and that's totally fine. What matters is that you invest and let your money grow. What matters is that you start saving money.

”Life, health, and wealth are the essentials of a brighter future, but one can only achieve them if they save and invest for the future,” Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said. ”This is possible with the right partner, tools, and products, and these are what we would like to highlight this Financial Independence Month.”

This little guy is my future. He is the reason why I finally got my act together. One of the things I learned during the SunLife talk was that it is never too late.

When you finally do these three things, then you can start living a better life.

Some options available for you to ponder on are the following:

1. Life Insurance Calculator. This would help one assess how much life insurance he would need to properly cover the needs of his loved ones, giving him a clearer goal to pursue. The digital tool can be accessed via bit.ly/SLlnsuranceCalc.

2. SUN Smarter Life Classic is a protection plan that provides double life insurance coverage throughout one's lifetime. Available in flexible premium payments, it also offers benefits that he can use in case of emergencies or immediate need for cash.

3. SUN Fit and Well, a new generation wellness plan that offers comprehensive life and health protection. It covers the whole health Journey from prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, offering comfort and peace of mlnd should a serious illness strike.

4. GoWell, Sun Life's wellness community, has also expanded its tie-up with Fitness First to offer club benefits and preferential rates for Sun Life clients, advisors and employees.

Up next on my to do list is to invest in Mutual Funds and get the Sun Fit and Well. What are you looking to have?

Southside Grill's Seafood to Go

The rainy season is officially back which means that a lot of people will choose to stay home rather than eat outside. Southside Grill knows this which is why they recently launched their Seafood to Go program.

Seafood to Go is a new addition to their already extensive menu and this is for pick up or delivery via Lalamove (you will shoulder the shipping cost of course!)

Here's how it works. 

For the crabs, it's Php750 for 1.5kg, Php850 for 1kg of prawns, Php550 for 1kg of Manila Clam, and Php400 for 1kg of tahong. You can choose a minimum of 2 or order all. It's really your call.

For the add ons, you can choose up to 4 options and it's Php100 per add on.

For the sauce, you can only choose 1. No half and half.

These are your options. My mind went blank when I saw it because I wanted everything.

These are the different sauces you can choose from. Since I couldn't decide what to have, I ended up getting everything save for the Manila Clams and Tahong.

Even though we have already eaten so much before this dish was served, we still managed to wipe everything out.

To see the interview with the Chef, please click below.

Review of Bawooboy Grill in BF Homes, Paranaque

One of the things that truly make me happy is awesome Korean buffet. With so many sprouting up left and right, it's easy to be disappointed nowadays because some people think that as long as they have samgyeopsal and lettuce, it's good to go.

It's not.

A good Korean buffet needs to have fresh lettuce, quality meat, no smoke inside even with all the grilling that is happening, and a few side dishes.

This is what Bawooboy Grill has to offer.

This is the owner, Mr. Bruce Han.

This is how your table will look at the beginning of your meal. You are given 3 sauces per plate and 4 kinds of side dishes.

Main highlight for me was the plain pork and beef because it was SO GOOD.

Super happy foodies! We were there from 530pm to almost 8. Normal dining hours, you can only stay for 2 hours though but trust me when I say that two hours is more than enough.

This is the menu.

To see my full review, watch this clip below.

Review of PITX

Since I have been back to blogging and covering events, I have been commuting almost daily. As a gal living in the South, I pass by PITX all the time.

The first encounter I had with PITX, I HATED IT.

I didn't understand why we had to pass by, why some buses did not pass by, why we had to go around and around for a signature, and why it even existed in the first place.

The second time, I STILL HATED IT. Why were the buses dropping Coastal and Baclaran passengers at Heritage Hotel? It was so INCONVENIENT.

Luckily, third time was the charm. Everything fell in place starting with the conductor of the bus I was on. He told me to go down on PITX and go inside. Apparently, there's a terminal inside that goes to EDSA and passes by Robinsons Galleria, Crossing, and Megamall; three places I am always at.

One of the things that I feel needs improvement is the drop off area for passengers. As you can see, there are no covered walkways so when it rains, good luck to anyone who has to cross and forgot to bring an umbrella.

My main concern are the PWD, senior citizens, and those with babies. I wish they could provide a big green tent to cover the walkway from drop off to the entrance of Gate 5.

I do like the fact that once you are past the metal scanner, the customer service area is the first thing that you will see. Kudos to the person who designed the inside of PITX.

They also have several ticketing areas for provincial buses. If you are riding a city bus, there is no need to get tickets.

They also have a few food stalls already in place. In my opinion, it's more than enough.

There are attendants ready to assist.

Bins are located at every corner.

They also have one of my favorite drinks so I'm a happy kid.

Other PROS that I saw:
1. USB ports are available near the benches.
2. Trolleys upon entering so if you have heavy bags or packages, you can use these trolleys. Just make sure to put them back where they should be left and not just randomly leave them everywhere.
3. Gender neutral bathrooms.
4. Free WiFi that is also FAST!
5. Monitors showing off bus schedules and how many minutes till it depart.
6. Grab drop off and pick up.
7. Air-conditioned and the bus lanes are also covered.

If you would like a quick tour, watch the video below.

Is a Vintage Engagement Ring a Good Choice?

If you are planning to pop the question in the not too distant future, the engagement is something to carefully consider, as it symbolizes your eternal love, and hopefully, the love of your life will be over the moon when she first sees the ring. Take a good look at her fashion style, and if you think along the lines of a vintage design, you are likely to be on the right road to choosing a ring that she will fall in love with.

Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

The 1940s saw an aggressive campaign by the diamond mogul, De Beers, that introduced the concept of diamonds and true love, and today, diamonds are very much the stone for an engagement ring. When looking at vintage engagement rings Sydney ladies prefer you can opt for one with diamonds. With a choice of colors, you can rest assured she will be overjoyed.

What is Vintage?

As you probably know, an item is considered an antique if it is more than one hundred years old, and vintage would be 90 years old up to 30 years ago, and during that time, there were some classic jewellery designs.

Choosing something that goes with her style ensures success, and, of course, you need to find out her ring size, as vintage rings are not really suitable for resizing, so make sure you have the ring size covered. She might love the 1920s, as there are many stunning diamond engagement rings from that glorious period, and with a Google search, you can find a reputable antique dealer.

IMAGES SOURCE: PEXELS

Online Solutions

Where does one go to view some classic diamond engagement rings? Actually, you can browse an extensive collection of vintage diamond engagement rings from a reputable  online antique dealer, one that specializes in vintage jewellery. An established dealer would have access to a network of other dealers, giving you a wider range of rings to view.

The 40s and 50s

This is the period when jewellery design was at its peak, with diamond clusters and classic settings, and the online antique dealer is the person to contact regarding vintage and antique jewellery.

The dealer would likely know something about the history of any particular ring, which adds to the attraction, and with so many quality items, there’s bound to be something just right.

Appreciation

It won’t be many years until that exquisite vintage diamond engagement ring is an antique and providing it is well cared for, it will increase in value. Not that you would ever consider selling the ring, but should you need some security for a business loan in the future, the ring can be used as collateral.

IMAGE SOURCE: UNSPLASH

Knowing her style is the key to a successful ring acquisition, so take the time to note what she wears, and this will prove invaluable in your search for the perfect engagement ring. Buy from a reputable antique dealer, as they have genuine articles and are fairly priced, and with her ring size, you can go ahead and buy with confidence.

TOMS Stand for Tomorrow

One of the things that make me support a brand is when they have a corporate social responsibility. I feel that brands should do their part in bringing awareness to others about certain things simply because they can. Brands have a bigger platform and when brands use their voice, I salute that.

Footwear and lifestyle brand TOMS has  announced the latest growth of its giving-focused business model, as the brand’s global Stand for Tomorrow initiative launches in Philippines.

Renowned as the brand behind the One for One model, charitable giving lives at the core of TOMS’ vision and purpose. Since its 2006 launch, TOMS has donated one pair of shoes to a child in a developing nation for every pair sold to consumers, delivering a staggering 93 million pairs to date. Through additional fundraising, TOMS has also provided 740,000 sight restorations and 720,000 weeks of safe water to communities in need around the world

The launch of Stand for Tomorrow will see TOMS’ impact reach beyond the existing giving model, by partnering with powerful local changemakers who take a stand on issues that matter. The initiative aims to create a broader impact through addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, initiating project-based investments with local non-profits and changemakers across the globe.

TOMS Philippines Stand for Tomorrow was launched along with Arianna Cowper, who Stand for Courage, and the new Venice Collection at the SM Mega Fashion Hall.

“TOMS is a brand that believes in a better tomorrow. Globally we have been able to give over 93 million pairs of shoes with our One for One program. We are now taking our advocacy further with Arianna Cowper and supporting New Beginnings, a program of CRIBS Foundation to help the 26 girl-survivors who have been sexually abused to heal and be able to reintegrate into society.” quips Camile Banez, Brand Head of TOMS Ph.

The event was reminiscent of the birthplace of TOMS, Venice, where culture is king and inspiration is queen. Activities such as the freedom wall and the barefoot walk encouraged visitors to express themselves and understand the causes supported by TOMS.

Venice Collection – a tribute to TOMS roots

Venice is the birthplace of TOMS, a city of color, hip culture where different views meet with artists and activists striving for progress. The collection showcases a refreshing take on their classic and offers a bold selection with chunky, sneaker-like cupsoles on the iconic silhouettes, the Alpargata, Cordones and Botas. Adding attitude are spirited vignettes featuring neon, iridescence, ’90s flair, and funky, statement-making platforms.

“TOMS Venice Collection is colorful, inspiring and we invite everyone to support the cause in every sole.” says Camile Banez. “This collection expresses our passion as we encourage those that are curious, the adventurous and those that believe that they can make a difference.” Adds Camille. 

The Venice Collection is available in Megamall, Powerplant Mall, and Glorietta 4. To see more of the actual collection, click the video below.