My Oishi OWow! Moment with Daniel Padilla

“I had my entire Saturday planned when my editor [ED] texted me at around 10 am asking to attend an  Oishi event scheduled at noon.

I said yes, took a quick shower, grabbed a shirt and a pair of jeans, laced up my chucks and rushed to the LRT. It usually took an hour to get to Bonifacio Global City from my place but because of the heavy traffic– and no thanks to the wrong directions ED gave me (“Just look for the IHOP Building, he said”) which was

actually a few blocks off — it took me an hour and a half to get there.

I had to ask 5 guards on almost every street corner who were equally confused before I finally made it to the W Bldg building on High Street. I had to freshen up inside the elevator, since I was perspiring from the long walk and thankfully looked less haggard when I reached the Skye Lounge.

The venue looked quite different from the night parties/event photos I see on Facebook as it transformed into a festive summer arcade with the bright red , yellow, orange and green, colors of my favorite Oishi snacks. There was a mini Oishi Sari Sari Store stacked with everyone’s favorites crunchy treats and I loved the color blocking it creates–plus their healthy drink Oaties and Smart C+.

After signing the guest list, Miss Martha of Bridges PR handed me a white towel, an Oishi sack bag, and a pink Oishi printed scarf and told me that there would be a  game and I was part of the pink team.  The program had already started with RJ Ledesma doing hosting chores with a female radio DJ.

I squeezed my way near the front of the stage hoping to get some decent photos and noticed there were a lot of celebrities, media and bloggers, some with their entire families in tow to support the event. Some of the celebrities I spotted were Phil and James Younghusband, Mikaela Lagdameo Martinez and family, Pia Magalona and her children, Anton del Rosario and Ms. Tessa Prieto Valdez with her daughter Athena.  There were also several young children running around mesmerized by all the goodies around them.

Oishi’s O! Wow! endorsers were then introduced to lead their teams–Ramon Bautista for the Green Team, Elmo Magalona for the Red Team, Slater Young for Yellow Team.

RJ then described the games available such as the Oaties milk the cow, Ramon’s Boot Camp, Scramble, the Elmo Jeep, Slater Young’s Zorb, a big rolling plastic ball and Daniel’s Padilla’s shoot out basketball hoop and the prizes at stake for the winning team. 

As I was busy taking pictures, RJ then called in another ambassador for Oishi– and I was taken back by the sudden movements of everyone pointing their cameras to the guy in a white Oishi Team O shirt, wayfarer shades, tattered jeans and his high cut running black shoes– I actually caught a whiff of his scent before I saw him come up the stage– and he smelled divine.

And just like that, it seemed time stood still for a moment as everyone’s eyes were glued on this teen heartthrob they call DJ or Daniel Padilla.

I admit I am more of a fan (make that die-hard fan)  of his uncle Robin Padilla way back my college days, and Daniel exuded almost that same rugged charm and mystery that made most girls and ladies–including me find irresistible .

Not to sound like a cradle snatcher, but I finally understood why he’s one– if not the most popular teen actor today. He has loads of appeal, he is young, fresh and was quite taller than I expected.. His famous #medyobadboy also perfectly suited his rebellious image though he was really quiet.

He was, or should I say seeing him was my perfect Oishi O Wow! moment. Much as I hate to admit it, I felt like a high school girl who just met her long time crush. Had they asked to us to form a Daniel Padilla fan’s club on that day, I would have volunteered– or fought my way to be president. I think I’m still blushing as I type this.

I was on cloud nine and I forgot about walking 30 minutes under the heat of the midday sun and that my stomach was already growling for some decent lunch.

I stood there dumbfounded as Daniel displayed his basketball prowess, shooting hoops, and gamely posed for photos with everyone. I keenly observed how he smiled, the way he talked, walked and posed.

What I’d do to be in Kathryn Bernardo’s shoes and spend a day with Daniel Padilla…hayz.

Just as Ed instructed (REQUESTED lang! –ED), I went home carrying a big bag full of Oishi goodies…and an Oishi OWow memory in my heart that would always be remembered.

Happy 40th anniversary Oishi! Thanks for re-igniting the fan in me after all these years. I didn’t know Johnny Depp would ever have to share top spot with a much younger Daniel Padilla.

Curse of the blurred photo-op! haha.

Now I couldn’t wait for the next Oishi O Wow! event!

Mixels Animated Shorts Premiere on Cartoon Network Philippines February 17

Cartoon Network and The LEGO Group Mix It Up Globally with MIXELS 

Mixels Animated Shorts Premiere on Cartoon Network Philippines February 17

Calling All Mixels App to Launch in First Quarter

LEGO® Mixels Building Sets in Stores March 1

Mixels is a groundbreaking global franchise created by the powerhouse partnership of two of the biggest forces in kids’ entertainment – Cartoon Network and The LEGO Group – and will make its global debut on multiple screens and platforms this February.  A true multiplatform brand, Mixels.com arrives on the web first on February 15, followed by animated shorts on Cartoon Network Philippines starting February 17 during Funday Mondays at 5:25 p.m. Soon after, kids will be able to “mix, max and murp” with their own LEGO ® Mixels collectible building sets and download the Calling All Mixels app. 

Kids’ media consumption changes every day and this unprecedented collaboration and launch of Mixels continues the evolution of how Cartoon Network is looking at the development and distribution of content and IP creation. Bringing together world-class animators, game developers and product designers from the onset and launching the property on multiple platforms and formats, Cartoon Network and the LEGO brand will enable kids to have a fully integrated and rich experience from the very start of this exciting new franchise.

Mixels is centered around a world of colorful creatures who can mix and combine with each other leading to hilarious and surprising results. They are comical, mischievous creatures that live in tribes of three. Each tribe is based around a unique element. The Infernites are fiery and short 

tempered, but handy for a barbeque. The Cragsters are the industrious mining tribe and the Electroids are a quirky bunch with enough nervous energy to light up the whole world. Nixels, annoying and destructive little creatures, wreak havoc over the Mixel land trying to tear down and break apart the tribes.
Mixels.com will be a central hub where fans can watch all of the shorts and learn more about the characters and setting of the Mixels world. Kids will be able to interact with the brand by exploring the environment of each tribe and meeting the Mixels, mixing multiple Mixels to discover lots of fun combinations and playing mini-games featuring characters from different tribes. Each tribe’s world will be filled with rich, colorful graphic elements that portray that environment’s unique qualities. Using cubits, kids can mix together Mixels from the same tribe to form a Gigantic Max or mix together elements from different tribes to discover new and exciting combinations. By making successful mixes, kids will unlock exclusive mini-games. As new waves of Mixels are introduced, new tribes and mini-games will be added to the site to reflect the ever-growing universe. Mixels.com was developed by Cartoon Network Digital, the Emmy-nominated studio behind the Watch Cartoon Network App and Cartoonnetwork.com.
The animated shorts, consisting of 1-2 minute segments, feature any number of characters on a series of adventures where they will be able to “mix” (two characters combine); “max” (all three members of the tribe combine) or “murp” (when the combo just doesn’t quite fit).  The Mixels shorts debut on Cartoon Network on February 17 and will air weekly. Created for Cartoon Network by John Fang (Generation Rex, Ben 10) and Dave Smith (Powerpuff Girls), Mixels is executive produced by Jennifer Pelphrey, Tramm Wigzell, Brian Miller and Rob Sorcher and is produced at Cartoon Network Studios.
Calling All Mixels, the digital application launching in the first quarter is an addictive mixture of exploration, combat and strategy, with a creative spin on mixing. Find lost Mixels, discover new lands and create amazing mixes, in a world of lush 3D graphics, all while building elaborate structures to secure your Cubit supplies. Players take the role of Flain, a member of the Infernites as he sets forth on an adventure to find and reunite the lost Mixel tribes! It will not be an easy task as annoyingCalling All Mixels was developed by Hibernum Creations and published by the Emmy and Webby-nominated Cartoon Network Games.
LEGO Mixels is a new series of buildable toys that create fun collectible characters that leverages the versatility and creativity of the LEGO building system to recreate the “mix,” “max” and “murp” fun of Mixels in physical form. LEGO Mixels are batched and released throughout the year in tribes such as Frosticons, Infernites, Stretchers, Cragsters, Electroids and Fang Gang. Kids will be able to mix and combine the LEGO Mixels, using the mysterious Cubits, to build new characters with hilarious results, to further immerse themselves in the sprawling Mixels world.
Cartoon Network is the leading kids’ channel in the Philippines. Its dedicated Philippine feed offers the best in animated entertainment, drawing from the world's largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbara titles. Cartoon Network also showcases popular original series such as Ben 10, The Amazing World of Gumball and Adventure Time. Cartoon Network is available in 23 territories throughout the Asia Pacific region and is currently seen in over 65 million cable homes. Online, Cartoon Network Asia Pacific reaches nearly five million unique visitors a month.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

 Nixels roam the lands between all the Mixel tribes and cause trouble for everyone in sight. Flain and the rest of the Mixels will have to use all of their wits to find new friends, gain new bases, gather ingredients, get stronger and deal with constant Nixel problem if they plan to ultimately reunite all the Mixel tribes!

Goldilocks Adds Cinnamon Loaf to Sweeten Your Life with Spice

SWEETEN YOUR LIFE WITH SPICE

Sweet food and desserts are commonly sought out during February, the month full of love and affection, to share with loved ones. There are times, however, when the classic bestsellers such as chocolate, vanilla, mocha, or cheese flavors need a new addition to their fold.

Cinnamon has always had an incomparable taste, with its warm and sweet taste delighting the palette, and a pleasant, zesty undertone that leaves you wanting for more. Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop, has taken this distinctive flavor and created a Cinnamon Loaf that is worthy of its well-loved bread line. Baked to perfection and topped off with raisins, the Cinnamon Loaf is truly a treat to share.

Have a loaf of spicy sweetness and visit your nearest Goldilocks Bakeshop, or call 888-1-999 for Go-Delivery today []

LUCKY YEAR OF THE HORSE

LUCKY YEAR OF THE HORSE

With the arrival of the Year of the Horse comes a whole new change in fortune. For some, 2014 might even usher in bigtime winnings. As the saying goes, “money won is often sweeter than money earned”.

To foster the prosperity of the Chinese New Year, Pacific Online Systems Corporation – distributors of the hit-game Scratchit – has unveiled its new Lucky Horse game. For as little as Php 20.00 per game card, lucky winners can take home as much as Php 200,000.00!

With Lucky Horse, finding your luck has never been easier! Just scratch off the game area on the card and if three numbers match, lucky winners can collect a prize which corresponds to this value. Moreover, each card comes with a BONUS area for a chance to win more prizes. Indeed, finding luck with Scratchit is as easy as A-B-C.

Lucky Horse is the latest addition to an exciting roster of Scratchit games, which includes Bee Lucky, Red Hot 7s, Go Bananas and many more. Each game has its own unique way of winning, providing hours of entertainment and prize opportunities. The game cards are available in Php 20.00 and Php 50.00 denominations and prizes can go up to Php 500,000.00.

Run to your nearest Philippine Sweepstakes Charity Office (PCSO) lotto outlet or to any Lucky Circle branch and try your luck with Scratchit now! []

Paint the Town Gold this Valentines Day

Paint the Town Gold this 
Valentines Day

Time is precious as gold, especially when it is spent with your special someone.  And what better way to express your love than giving the premium BENCH PREMIUM GOLD COLLECTION
BENCH, one of  the country’s leading lifestyle and clothing boutique has been producing quality watches since 2004.

This Valentine’s month,  enjoy the classic yet modern design of gold watches, crafted especially for couples.  The collection boasts of its sophistication, beauty, and elegance, making it the best gift for you and your partner.
Couples will definitely enjoy letting time swift gently with the ergonomically designed styles of the ROYAL Collection with gloss dial and polished bracelets. This selection is also available in Stainless Steel and Black Steel which lovers can choose from.

Meanwhile, the SLIM Collection is also meticulously custom-built from the minute parts to its nicely woven mesh gold finished bracelet.  Tiny details such as the size and shape of the crown and slightly contoured case has to be considered to create that nice and comfortable fit in your wrist.
For the perfect gift to the most important women in your life, check out the LADIES collection. One can select from three array of watches with a sexy, sleek design perfect for the fashionable yet classic women out there.

Cynthia’s mother of pearl dial and crystal zones on bezel will definitely top ladies’ favorites because of its simplicity yet elegant look.
For those who prefer to keep it sassy and classy, the Chloe design, available in rose gold, stainless steel and two-tone, is the perfect time-telling accessory to have because of its timeless champaign dial and date display.

Meanwhile, ladies can always come fashionably late with Paige’s elegant look, which will surely make a statement.  This is also comes in stainless steel and two-tone selection.
This February, love will definitely be in the air, couples will find a perfect fit not only between them, but also in the Bench Premium Gold collection. With the exquisite look of these time pieces, time spent will just pass by in a modish way.

All watches are stainless steel in Rose Gold/ Yellow Gold Plating and  all fitted with Top Grade Japanese Movement . These Bench Gold Premium Collection are available in Bench and L Timestudio stores nationwide.

Michael Martinez Filipino Figure Skater Road to Olympics 2014

PH's Olympic Winter Bet on Thin Ice

Figure skater Michael Martinez is the Philippines’ first athlete to qualify for the Winter Olympics ever. In this year’s games held in Sochi, Russia, he is our lone representative.
Entering his final two months of preparation for the games, the young phenom admitted he was already feeling the heat.

“My training is not yet complete,” said Michael in an interview after a training session at the skating rink of the SM Mall of Asia. “I need four hours with a coach, but we can only afford one hour. We lack the budget.”
At 17 years old, Michael is up against 29 other top figure skaters in the Sochi games. Despite his youth and frequent asthma attacks, Michael managed to rank 28th among the best senior-level figure skaters in the planet!
Early in 2013, he landed 7th at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany that qualified him for this year’s Winter Olympics. To reach the finals, he needs to be part of the top 24 competitors in his category.
The absence of government support compelled Michael to seek sponsors elsewhere. One of his biggest supporters is SM, which donated Php 1 million for his training and other expenses related to his Olympic participation. He was actually “discovered” in SM Southmall in Las Piñas when he was still in his formative years as a figure skater.

Michael’s main supporter is his mother, Teresa, who accompanies him in his training and competitions abroad. She also knows first-hand how much the pursuit of Olympic gold can cost. “It will cost you half-a-million pesos per competition. You also pay for the airfare and hotel of the coach who charges $400 a day,” Teresa recounted, adding that Michael has already competed five times in 2013.
“One of his coaches in the US charges $100 an hour, he has an Olympic coach that charges $150 an hour, and a choreographer that charges $130.” She said that adding ice time, the daily cost of training could easily amount to $500-600.

The need for the coaches could not be stressed enough as Michael is yet to learn a crucial skill – quad jumps – a jumping technique with four revolutions. His Filipino coach Ted Domingo underscored the necessity of training abroad. “We’re talking about high level competition. In the Philippines, we still don’t have that kind of training,” he said.

The Philippines has yet to win an Olympic gold, and winning one in figure skating, in Winter Olympics at that, would be sweeter. But Michael needs more than just a dream. SM has broken the ice, so to speak, and that is enough to help him make history – for now.

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SMART C- A REFRESHING HEALTH CHOICE.

SMART MOVES

More and more young people are breaking the "young and reckless" stereotype as they make smarter and healthier choices in their fast-paced lives. Take for instance the young and unstoppable Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited grand winner, Slater Young.  Amidst his engagements, Slater has chosen to get his immunity boost in one refreshing and convenient drink, Oishi Smart C+.
So, make the clever move and #thinkaboutyourdrink. Your best ally and defense is your daily dose of resistance-building Vitamin C; Smart C+. Now you can cope with the daily demands of your dynamic life which then makes you unstoppable and ready whenever, wherever.
As Slater put it, “Why just drink to refresh when you can also drink to get your daily dose of Vitamin C? With Smart C+ you get both and I think that’s really smart.”
Smart C+ comes in three thirst-quenching flavors: Lemon Squeeze, Orange Crush and Pomelo Grapefruit. Each refreshing flavor contains 500mg of Vitamin C+ to keep up with your daily tasks and passionate pursuits.
Smart C+ is available at leading supermarkets and grocery stores nearest you.
For more information, visit www.oishi.com.ph .

Scratchits Give Reasons to Celebrate,

Scratchits Give Reasons to Celebrate

Many of us could use some extra money every month and starting your own business is a good way to get it. But as they say, it takes money to make money.
Luckily, it doesn’t take that much to get started. Believe it or not, an investment of only P1800 could be the start of a viable business, right out of your own home? Lucky Circle, distributor of the popular Scratchit game cards, started a reseller program to accommodate those of you who want to start a small business. Resellers make a 10% profit every time they sell a whole sheet of Scratchits. All you have to do as a reseller is go to Scratchit outlet, purchase a sheet of Scratchit cards and sell them out of your store and/or home. No license required.

 Aside from the resellers, players are also enjoying the excitement Scratchits bring. It offers an instant gratification that no other gaming experience can quite match. Unlike the Lotto, which requires waiting for the day of the draw and the numbers to hit, Scratchits let you know instantly when you win. If you win, you need only go to any Scratchit or Lucky Circle outlet to claim your prize if it’s less than P1000. True to the concept of “high risk, high reward, the higher the denomination of the Scratchit card you buy, the bigger and better the top prize is; a P20 card could win you Php200,000, while a P50 card could potentially win you P500,000! Furthermore, when playing Scratchits, there’s a 1-in-4 chance of winning something, compared the astronomical chances of winning the Lotto.
To learn more about the Scratchit game cards and/or the Scratchit reseller program, drop by the nearest Scratchit outlet or reseller today and try your luck with Scratchits! [][][]

LBC Moves Love this Valentine’s Day.

LBC Moves Love this Valentine’s Day

The month of hearts is upon us once again. Though for some, distance may be a factor in keeping them from expressing their love. For a bashful few, they may find it too overwhelming to articulate how they really feel for someone and would prefer to express their love more subtly.

To those who are met with these challenges for Valentines’ Day, LBC is pleased to announce Flowers Express, a delivery service made especially for the month of love and even all year round. Place your orders in advance from now up to February 15, 2014.

For as low as Php950, your¬ may send roses to your loved ones to let them know how special they are.
For those interested in this heart-warming service, place your orders in any LBC Branch nationwide. You may also send an electronic message of up 200 characters to go with the flowers.
Now is the time!  Send love via LBC Flowers Express.   Hurry and visit any of the more 1,000 LBC branch nearest you.  
To find out more about Flower Express, please visit www.lbcexpress.com or call the LBC Hotline at 8585-999 for Metro Manila or 1-800-10-8585-999 toll-free for provincial.

About LBC Express
LBC Express, Inc. was founded in the 1950’s as a brokerage and air cargo agent. Known as the largest Express Courier, Cargo, and Money Remittance Service Company in the Philippines, LBC now offers its services in over 18 countries in North America, Canada, Middle East, Australia, Asia Pacific, Oceania, and European Territories. Currently, LBC operates in over 3,000 branches and partner agents in the Philippines. Since then, LBC has been moving anything and everything for the global Filipinos. For more than 60 years, LBC has provided hassle free delivery via air, land, and sea cargoes; from cash remittance to simple packages and container loads of business logistical needs.  Its clientele comprises of local and multinational corporations, and several government agencies.

Goldilocks offers Sari-Saring Sarapinoy Meals

SARI-SARING SARAPINOY

Set meal choices are a staple in most quick service restaurants, to the point that they may have become too familiar and similar. There may be a tendency to find ourselves eating the same meal in the same place, which can get somewhat bland or boring. This leaves us hungry for something new, delicious, and satisfying.

With this in mind, Goldilocks Foodshop proudly offers two new choices in its popular Sarapinoy menu.

The new Chicken Fillet with steamed rice and Breaded Porkchop with Garden rice add more variety and flavor at affordable prices. Moreover, the Sarapinoy Meals come with dessert drinks like the Goldilocks Classic Halo-Halo, Sago Gulaman, Mais Con Hielo, Ube Nata Cooler, and the new Salted Caramel Cooler to round out a filling and ultimately tasty meal.

Of course, the classic favorites – Jumbo Pork Barbecue with Java Rice, Chicken Tenders Barbecue, Dinuguan Jr., and Lumpiang Shanghai – are still among the choices, as well as the super sulit Golden Chicken and Pork Barbecue Unlimited Rice meals. Each meal goes for 99 pesos or less.

To know more about the Sarapinoy menu, come on over to any Goldilocks Foodshop and try the delightful new Sarapinoy Meals, or call the Goldilocks Delivery Hotline 888-1-999 []

Gone Girl and Sharp Objects from Gillian Flynn.

I stumbled upon Gone Girl last year when I was in UAE.  Books there are not cheap unlike here in Manila,  I was between job hunting, homesickness and saving money for bus fares.  I asked a good friend on how to upload an e-book for my phone and laptop, after figuring out the hows of installing and uninstalling. I was reading Gone Girl like a maniac..It was a feat reading an e -book from your phone, it requires talent, patience and whipping of  granny glasses every now and then,  I finished the damn e- book for one week,  It was addicting,, moving and compelling. My desire to see Gillian Flynn is added to my bucket list. Now comes another thriller.

 FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF GONE GIRL, NOW COME SHARP OBJECTS.

Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story—and survive this homecoming..

Cried buckets after reading this, see for yourself why.


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