Sweets for my sweet at Made in Candy

Some say it with flowers, others would give chocolates and then Made in Candy becomes the trend. You have probably seen those colorful miniature candies cooked, prepared and cut uniformly right before your eyes in their see-through kitchen by their candy Chefs. The rock candies has many designs and flavors to choose from or you can customized yours accordingly.

The flavor list are endless such as apple, blueberry, cherry, green tea, kiwi, lemon or watermelon. they have free samples to taste and choose from. You can choose designs from funky monkey rock, raspberry kisses, or for this occasion the Valentines I love you rock. The jars also varied in sizes, they have a small, medium to large jar, and is also available in foil bags as well.  These heavenly rock candies smells so sweet you cant just resist them and the best thing is that they are made fresh from scratch.

The Valentine Rock candies could be the best accessory to pop that question. Be creative this valentines day. Say "I Love You" the Made in Candy way. You can visit their SM Moa branch at Entertainment Mall Ground Floor.

Italiannis Restaurant' and their all- time favorite desserts

Italiannis, SM Moa

Italiannis Restaurant is famous for their gourmet pizzas, breakfast and  pastas. I had a great time dining at Italiannis last year with Chef Josh Boutwood with his signature breakfast meals.  Last February 6, was a different story though. It was time for some sweet lovin at Italiannis SM Moa branch. I was served their all-time favorite desserts, Mango Panna Cotta and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Mango Panna Cotta

This panna cotta or "cooked cream" is made of vanilla custard with rich mango sauce on the side. The soft creamy vanilla custard compliments the sweet mango sauce.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Their strawberry cheesecake is best to partner with hot coffee.  Its delectable  cream cheese, tasted and felt good right after. Surely a good thing to end your delicious meal.

Visit Italiannis at SM Moa this Valentines day with your date, and get a taste of these all-time favorite desserts.

GSK launches the Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015

GSK recently launched The Search for Winners Against Asthma last February 5, 2015 at Makati Shangri-la. The event was hosted by Samantha Purvor with Guest Ambassador Ms. Kim Chiu and doctor panelists from GSK led by Dr. Nep Ordonez, Dr. Carmela Kasala, Dr. Badette Arcilla and Dr. Ma. Bella Siasoco.

Kim Chiu with Dr. Nep Ordonez and Dr. Carmela Kasala

Do you know someone who have asthma, and what triggers the disease? Asthma has been associated with shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing because of some allergies to pollen, dust, perfume or your pets. The key is to breath normally, moves around and work freely.  If you know someone who suffers from the disease and yet lives a normal life, then its time to vote for them online.


Its anyone you know, your parents, siblings, friends, classmates or neighbors. If they are winning against asthma and accomplished in their respective fields. Its time for them to be recognized.


 The Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015 campaign aims to choose and recognize 10 young asthmatic achievers from different walks of life.

The advocacy likewise introduces Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez as the new face of the campaign. Martinez, an asthmatic, began experiencing asthmatic bronchitis when he was just two months old.


He recalls being in the hospital frequently and says the cold rink actually helped improve his health. “Year after year my health keeps improving, so my mother fully supported me to continue skating saying it's better to spend the money on skating than in the hospital.”

The program is a nationwide search for young asthmatic achievers aged 30 years and younger who are outstanding in their respective fields despite having asthma and inspire asthma sufferers that they, too, can win against asthma.


The rationale for the target age group is driven by the fact that asthma is one of the most important chronic disease during childhood causing substantial morbidity 1.  Uncontrolled asthma is associated with a reduced lung function, impaired performance in physical exercise, and impaired quality of
life.  More severe asthma leads to more frequent school absenteeism which may negatively affect
an individual’s level of education and, possibly, choice of career.  People within this age group are in the process of developing the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve
their goals in life and asthma should not deter them from realizing their full potential. Thus it is
necessary at this early stage to raise their awareness on asthma and how they can win against it.

The Search for Winners Against Asthma will run from February until May 2015 and will be touring different schools and drugstore outlets to spread the advocacy and invite more people to join the campaign.

The deadline for submission of entries is on March 31, 2015.  All entries will be screened during the first week of April. As we celebrate World Asthma Day on May 5, the top 20 finalists will be announced and will be immediately followed by online voting.  The top 10 Winners Against Asthma will be announced and awarded by the 3rd week of May 2015.

This advocacy campaign is supported by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI), Huawei and Folded & Hung.


To prove that the disease should not be a deterrent from living one’s life to the fullest, real asthma patients were invited to provide testimonies of their experiences and how won against the illness. Celebrity asthmatics, Kim Chiu and Arnel Pineda became the featured ambassadors for the first wave of the campaign. Joining the 2015 campaign is Michael Christian Martinez, the Olympic figure skater.

For more information please visit http://www.facebook.com/winagainstasthma

MONTESSORI DE SAN JUAN: 40 YEARS OF TEACHING THE TRUE MONTESSORI WAY

Is your child studying in Montessori?
How sure are you that it is a true Montessori school in principle and not just by name?
It was only recently, when I attended the foundation day of Montessori de San Juan that I learned what it was like to be a “real” Montessori school.

Developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, this unique educational system is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development.
Among the essential elements recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS) are:
• Mixed age classrooms, with classrooms for children ages 2½ or 3 to 6 years old
• Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options
• Uninterrupted blocks of work time, ideally three hours
• A constructivist or "discovery" model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction
• Specialized educational materials developed by Montessori and her collaborators
• Freedom of movement within the classroom
• A trained Montessori teacher

According to Sandy Arellano, Montessori de San Juan Vice Principal, real Montessoris adhere to the teaching modules developed by their founder. The school directors or principal should also get a certification either from the US or Europe.Their teachers she said are also trained in the Montessori method and have to undergo a special in house training in order to teach in their school.

Montessori's education is driven by an aspiring aim that is to aid the child's development into a complete adult human being, comfortable with one's self and society and with his humanity as a whole. Each individual is recognized for his or her own abilities, interests, ideas, needs, and cultural identity.

While other schools continually adding classrooms to accommodate more students, Arellano said they prefer to keep their classrooms small. “We only have 15 to 20 students per class because a smaller class size is paramount to knowing each child as an individual with his own needs, characteristics, capabilities and potential. A small class lets teachers could focus more on the individual learning needs of each student rather than just follow a lesson plan and hope that they will catch up and understand.

Montessoris emphasize learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading and our students here learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities.

I was also surprised to learn that Montessori schools avoid giving out homework, believing that learning should be done in the classroom and that time spent at school is already too much.
“We, at Montessori de San Juan, are committed to exposing the students to a learning environment that will assist them in adapting and adjusting to a diverse and ever changing society. We are dedicated to teach our students that the differences in gender, physical or mental ability, culture, and background are strengths to be respected,”she emphasized.

In celebration of its 40th foundation day last January  30, 2015 the school held a Science and Math fair along with a field demo that put together different grade levels in one group to foster camaraderie and boost their confidence.

Montessori de San Juan is located at #3 Montessori Lane St. (between Araullo  and P. Guevarra Sts.)
Landline numbers 239-1102/725-6306, or visit their Facebook page Montessori de San Juan.

Jack 'n Jill Candies bring you the new tamarind-flavored gummy Champalok

Make snacking even more fun with Jack ‘n Jill Candies new tamarind-flavored gummy candy, Champalok. Get that kilig-sarap in every bite.

This candy is packed with the same sampaloc flavor you know and love, but without the seed. Packed in a 20gm snack pack, this affordable P5 (SRP) treat can be enjoyed any time of the day, making it the perfectly on-the-go snack.

Take the fun to a whole new level with a pack of Champalok. This gummy and chewy treat is available at all leading supermarkets, groceries and convenience stores nationwide.

Goldilocks capped off a six-month feeding program for Caritas kids

THE SWEET SMILES OF CARITAS KIDS

In the spirit of mercy and compassion brought about by the historic visit of Pope Francis, Goldilocks Bakeshop, in cooperation with Caritas Manila, capped off a six-month feeding program for underprivileged kids with a small celebration. The culminating activity was conducted at the gym of the St. John Bosco Parish-Tondo, which coincided with the commemoration of the saint’s 200th birth anniversary.

Under the guidance of Caritas Manila, risk areas for malnutrition were identified, taking into consideration various effects including poor academic performance and associated health concerns. Aside from providing balanced meals, Goldilocks likewise monitored the progress of the participating children via weekly check-ups. “We made a determined effort to get the kids back on track in terms of their ideal age-to-weight ratio,” shared Cherry Caluya, Marketing Director of Goldilocks. “After six months, we were so happy to learn that all the participating kids achieved their marks,” she enthused.

As a welcome treat to mark the program’s conclusion, Goldilocks distributed their signature products (mamons, ensaymadas, and muffins) to the delight of those who participated. Joining the 500 kids were a number of senior citizens, who likewise appreciated the baked goods.“Programs like these are an integral part of who we are as a brand,” Caluya noted. “We are so honored to be given opportunities to share the love and happiness that Goldilocks brings,” she concluded

HOOQ kicks off this late February in partnership with Globe

One week after its establishment, HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, announced that it will kick off in the Philippines from late February in partnership with Globe Telecom.

HOOQ, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, will enable customers of Globe Telecom to enjoy unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movie and television content, via any device including computers, smartphones and tablets.
Extensive Hollywood and local content

Filipinos can look forward to more than 10,000 movies and television episodes and TV shows including titles from partners Sony and Warner Bros. Customers can watch Hollywood movies such as Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Inception, while enjoying popular TV series such as Gossip Girl, Friends and Smallville.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the Philippine launch of HOOQ held at The Green Sun in Makati are [L-R] Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke, HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George Chung-Chi Chien. Speaking at a panel discussion during the Philippine launch of HOOQ held at The Green Sun in Makati are [L-R] Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke, HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George Chung-Chi Chien.

Local film and TV content will also be available through partnerships with the country’s top studios, such as GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment, and ABS-CBN. Customers can watch local high-grossing films such as Metro Manila, A Secret Affair, Shake Rattle and Roll and Ang Tanging Ina, as well as classics including Dyesebel, Bagets and Bituing Walang Ningning. Highly-rated TV shows like My Husband’s Lover, Mulawin, Tayong Dalawa and Mara Clara will also be available anytime and anywhere.

‘Across the emerging economies, people have amazing stories and love stories. However, a few billion people have no quality way of seeing the best stories from Hollywood or their local market. HOOQ will change that. HOOQ will change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment,’ said HOOQ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter G. Bithos. ‘The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start,’ he added.

The former Globe Telecom Chief Operating Advisor, Mr Bithos also announced its first distribution partnership. ‘Our partnership with Globe Telecom, the leader in digital partnerships in the Philippines, helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices,’ Mr Bithos said.

Globe Telecom’s customers first to get HOOQ at P199 per month

According to a Nielsen report in 2014, viewing online video content has become a pastime for digital consumers in the Philippines, with 85% watching at least weekly, the second highest in the region. The same report also revealed that 7 in 10 digital consumers in the country report watching TV content and movies via online sources such as video-on-demand, the second highest penetration of internet TV in the region at 71%.

‘Now more than ever, Filipinos consider connectivity as an essential part of their daily lives. Our customers, whether prepaid, postpaid, or broadband, are increasingly embracing an always-on world where they expect a wonderful experience from innovative and engaging data and content offers. Right now, we are in the best position to offer this type of service as the leader in enabling the digital lifestyle of Filipinos and the number one network for smartphones. To meet their needs, we see the video-on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest quality.’ said President and CEO of Globe Telecom,Mr Ernest Cu.

Recognising the value that video-on-demand services deliver to consumers, Globe Telecom will provide its customers with the ability to download HOOQ, which will soon be available to customers on a plan-based service for Philippine Peso 199 per month for access to thousands of movies, far more affordable than buying a ticket for just one movie. It will also be offered as a bundled service with the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.

HOOQ enhances digital lifestyles

‘Following the launch in the Philippines, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon. The rapid adoption of connected devices means more people in Asia are able to access the Internet anywhere and at any time, driving demand for compelling content that enhances their digital lives,’ said Mr Jonathan Auerbach, Singtel CEO Group Digital Life. ‘HOOQ is set to change the way people across the region consume and enjoy entertainment.’

Mr George Chien, Executive Vice President, Networks at Sony Pictures Television, said: ‘We share the excitement of offering entertainment fans across Asia access to high quality video services directly to their mobile devices. HOOQ provides a unique combination of Hollywood and local favorites while providing a high-quality viewing experience they’ve come to expect in today’s digital world.’

Mr Anuraj Goonetilleke, Vice President Corporate Business Development and Strategy at Warner Bros. Digital Distribution said: 'We’re very excited about the launch of our joint video-on-demand business across Asia, starting with the Philippines. Providing world-class content to Asia’s entertainment fans will meet a voracious appetite for new and classic videos and TV episodes on-demand.’

The service will also be accessible to all customers in the Philippines through its website – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch videos of their choice and pay for the subscription by credit card.

Colin Firth plays a spy in "Kingsman: The Secret Service"

              Colin Firth reveals his other side as a suave secret spy in the non-stop “Kingsman: The Secret Service” directed by Matthew Vaughn (“X-Men: First Class,” “Kick-Ass”) where a super- secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

              The director warned his leading man that, should he accept the role, there were tough challenges ahead - very tough challenges indeed. “He said, ‘It’s going to hurt and you’ll hate me by the end,’” laughs Firth. “All true!”  Firth was indeed about to embark on a role unlike any other that he has tackled during his long, distinguished career, and he clearly loved it. Yes, he says with a smile, there were plenty of occasions when, after a particularly gruelling day, nursing cuts and bruises, he questioned quite why he had taken on an action role in a spy movie, but the rewards were enormous.

              In “Kingsman: The Secret Service” Firth heads an all-star cast as Harry Hart, a crack operative with secret independent intelligence organisation. Hart is a British gentleman – a suave sophisticate impeccably attired in the finest Savile Row suits – who also happens to be a formidable spy and, as Firth says, ‘a cold steel killer.”

              Firth embarked on months of intensive training to get into peak condition for the all action role. He enlisted the help of his regular trainer, Ed Chow, and the hand picked specialists, led by stunt coordinator Allen, recruited by Vaughn for the film.  “It was about six months, three hours a day,” he explains. “Three hours a day, every day with this extraordinary team of guys. I’m not an athlete, historically, at all. This was taking a man in his 50s and starting almost from scratch – not quite from scratch, because I’d done some fairly standard middle aged man’s maintenance, over the years with my trainer.

              Brad Allan, an Australian martial artist and action choreographer who worked with Vaughn on “Kick-Ass,” coordinated the fight sequences with a team that included a parkour champion and a breakdancer Bradley Allen whom they discovered on YouTube.  One of the film’s many standout action sequences is a climactic fight set inside a church, which sees Firth taking out the entire congregation.  Incredibly, the scene was done in one take.

              Much of the stunt work was a new experience for Firth, whose character moves between high-octane action and pensive stillness. When Harry does get involved in the action, he’s unstoppable – while losing none of his sophistication.  “It’s the ‘not a hair out of place’ world of fighting at first,” explains Firth. “Then there’s sheer mayhem, where there certainly are hairs out of place.”

              To prepare for the church scene, the production called upon the crack stunt team Firth describes as “the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.  They have their own sets of amazing skills. You have the Jackie Chan-like training team of Brad Allan, who’s one of the finest martial artists in the world, and then we a have a six-times world championship Thai boxer, an Olympic gold medalist gymnast, and someone from the special forces to do the gun training. I didn’t know what hit me.”

              Firth’s training regimen took three hours a day, every day, for several weeks. “I was learning to use parts of my body that I’d never used,” he says. “I didn’t even know they existed. It was painful.”

              “The stunt people training Colin were incredibly impressed,” recalls writer/co-producer  Jane Goldman. “It’s not something he’s done before and yet he was meticulous and so diligent in his training. Colin’s worked harder than anyone I’ve seen before. Not because he had to, but because he really wanted to. He nailed it, and almost none of his action work involved stand-ins.”

              “Kingsman: The Secret Service” opens February 18 nationwide from 20th Century Fox.

Be ready to be entertained this Valentine's Day with Pooh and K Brosas

Whether you're in love or have fallen out of love, it's time to celebrate the love month. Backroom artists have lined-up Valentine shows for everyone. Watch the comedic tandem of Pooh and K Brosas  stage a unique "love" concert at the Casino Filipino Pavilion on February 11.

"Sa mga loveless, gugulong kayo sa tawa. Kalimutan niyo muna bf or gf, enjoy lang pag may time," says Pooh. "Let us enjoy ourselves," adds K who is also scheduled to stage a concert in KL Central , Malaysia on February 15.

Gyrate to "Magic Mike XXL" first trailer

Warner Bros. Pictures has just unveiled the first trailer to “Magic Mike XXL” starring Channing Tatum, which may be viewed at http://youtu.be/TBqgijvELQU.



The original stars joining Tatum in the sequel are Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez and Gabriel Iglesias. Featured in brand new roles are Elizabeth Banks, Donald Glover, Amber Heard, Andie MacDowell, Jada Pinkett Smith and Michael Strahan.

The new film is directed and produced by Emmy Award winner Gregory Jacobs (“Behind the Candelabra”), who served as a producer on “Magic Mike,” as well as numerous features in a long-running collaboration with Steven Soderbergh.

Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, “Magic Mike XXL” finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.

Opening across the Philippines on July 08, 2015, “Magic Mike XXL” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Get your bow and arrow at Oculus Archery, SandBox Alviera

Sandbox Alviera launched the Oculus Archery last February 1, Porac Mayor Condralito dela Cruz headed the ribbon cutting ceremony together with Krizia Chu-Tranquilino, General Manager of Oculus Archery and Ayala Land executives.

Oculus Archery partners with SandBox Alviera Pampanga to hone the archer in you, that one talent  you thought you never had. Channeling my inner Merida and Katniss  at Oculus Archery for 30 minutes has never been this easy. This was my first time to actually hold a bow and arrow. The coach at the Oculus patiently told me to target my aim by strong mental visualization, and practice pulling my right arm until it reach my shoulder then release  and pushing the left arm outward.  I should learn pulling and pushing with my arms. I hit my target the second try, and I know I had it in me, I will just try to practice more.

Mayor Condralito dela Cruz was trained by the Oculus crews on how to target his aim and surprisingly hit his balloon target several times.

Newbie archers as young as 7 years old, accompanied by an adult, or young at heart with senior cards, are welcome to experience Outdoor Archery at SandBox. The packages priced at P400 for a one-hour session or P250 for a 30-minute session include basic coaching, bow & arrows, quiver, chest and arm guards plus one balloon target. There are also various novelty targets available such as famous cartoon villains to make the activity more fun and interesting especially for kids.

“Our mission is to erase the notion that archery is an elite sport. Anyone can enjoy it from kids to adults as long as they have the upper body strength to pull the string and concentrate on their target,” said Krizia Chu-Tranquilino, General Manager of Oculus Archery.

The lessons conducted by expert archers are accessible and comprehensive, without removing fun in the equation. Archery helps clear the mind, and allows people to decompress when under stress. For kids, it will train their mind to focus, a very important skill at school.

The Aerial Walk, an obstacle course with horizontal and vertical elements, has also been expanded for a longer, more challenging, and exciting experience. From 17 activities, it now offers 28 activities with the addition of new tunnels, loops, beams, nets, and ziplines. Guests who will take the challenge to complete this pumped up Aerial Walk can expect a real workout.

Bikers, in the meantime, can get their hearts pumping in the 9-km Alviera-Columbia Bike Trail located adjacent to the park and within the perimeter of Alviera.  This is where guests can bring their own bikes and enjoy a ride with their families and friends while taking pleasure at the scenic views of the Porac mountain range.

Part of the initial phase of the Alviera development, SandBox has drawn almost a hundred thousand walk-in visitors for its outdoor adventure attractions since it opened in April last year. The Giant Swing, the country’s tallest at 10-meters high, provides riders an exhilarating swing through the air. Housing the Wall Climbing, Rappelling and Free Fall, there’s the 15-meter Adventure Tower, which also provides the best views within and around Alviera.

The adventure continues with the Avatar One, Asia’s first roller coaster zipline, which brings daring visitors 180-meters up and down through lines and curves. Guests can also drive the ATV and go through rough and plain terrain, rivers, mountains, and forests. Guests who are less active can enjoy the Mini Golf or play with their kids at the chidlren’s playground, SandBox also has an open field for sports, parties, and other outdoor activities. Everyone in the family can have fun in SandBox.

“SandBox has given visitors unique outdoor thrills built from the natural environment of Alviera.  We are excited to bring more fun attractions for the community as we continue with our development plans for Alviera,” said John Estacio, Alviera General Manager.


SandBox at Alviera is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  For booking guidelines, visit the Alviera webpage at www.alviera.ph and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at AlvieraPh.