Banana Peel brings ‘Summer in the City: Island Getaway’

For most people, summer is the highlight of the year. It’s the perfect time to break from the daily hustle and bustle of life, and experience new adventures.Luckily, for those who haven’t found the time for their summer getaway, Banana Peel brings the island to the metro on Saturday, May 7, 2016, from 10am to 10pm at the Trinoma Activity Center.

‘Summer in the City: Island Getaway’ is Banana Peel’s summer treat for its loyal followers. “We understand how busy each of us can get these days. We can easily get so caught up in the never-ending demands of work and school, and we end up missing out on that much deserved break. This is why we are bringing the summer island adventure experience to our customers,” enthused Paul Ng, CEO of The Neat, Inc.’s Banana Peel flip flops. “Customers can count on an entire day of island experience,” added Ng. 

The day-long event is packed with activities enjoyed in the islands. The ‘Chill Coast’ area offers tropical pampering experiences like the isle’s nail polish, hair-braiding, face painting, and massage.The ‘Wild Trek’ brings the island’s adventure thrill, where guests get to enjoy a 7-meter high wall-climbing inflatable, a giant Eagle’s Nest Kerplunk, Temple Run arcade game, and other action-packed activities. At the ‘Snack Valley’, guests can eat and fuel up with the island treats prepared by sponsors, as they enjoy one activity after another.

Banana Peel customers can get one event pass to the Summer in the City: Island Getaway by presenting a Php300 single-receipt purchase of Banana Peel products during the event.  This pass will serve as a ticket for five to an island getaway on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Trinoma Activity Center.
“The first Summer in the City in 2015 yielded such a positive response from our customers. This event is a way for us to celebrate the importance of spending time with family and friends,” said Ng. “We are looking forward to another exciting and fun-filled day with Summer in the City: Island getaway.” 

Banana Peel Summer in the City: Island getaway is made even more exciting through the partnerships with: Beach Hut, Fruitas, De Original Jamaican Patties,MoguMogu, McDonalds, Wilkins, Kettle Corn, Facial Plus, Lay Bare, Nail It, Leslie’sCheezy, Clover and Nacho, Owl Coffee, Bissin, PAL Mabuhay Miles, Cose, Unilever, and Contigo.

More information on Banana Peel is available at www.bananapeel.net. Follow Banana Peel on Facebook at Bananapeelflipflops, on Instagram at Bananapeelofcl.

“I joined the Thank A Mom Movement at Century City Mall”

“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” 

― Donna Ball, At Home on Ladybug Farm

Growing up, I was never a "mama's girl" nor was I close to my tatay, maybe it was the reason I didn't turn to them during my angst-ridden teen years.  

I kept up my frustration and anger all to myself preferring to be "alone" and solving problems myself. And if I got into some trouble that would irk them both, I got punishment from those, it was either getting "grounded" on weekends or "mapapalo". 

I often got hurt hit by a flying tsinelas, slapped by a belt, a cloth hanger, cane, and if i really did something terrible--masasakit na salita--which was far more painful.

They were never my friends during my growing up years, but I think that actually helped me become stronger. Like most teens at that time, Siguro sensitive lang yata talaga ako noon.  I would always be grateful because they are my parents and that I should love them for that. 

Until, a personal problem came up, 6 years ago.   I remember  texting my mother and telling her my side of story. I never received any negative comments from her, except pure love and support. I cried and called her up just to tell her na "Thank you for listening nay. Wala akong kaibigan, pasensya na if madrama ako".  

Naiiyak tuloy ako habang sinusulat ko to. Hindi kami naging close ng nanay ko nung bata pa ako, because she was busy defending me from my father's wrath. I admit matigas talaga ulo ko before. I would always get what I wanted which led me into trouble. 

Di ko na appreciate yung time na naging close sana kmi ng nanay ko nung bata pa ako. Ngayon lang talaga.  Sya ang naging takbuhan ko kapag wala ako pera, kapag naolats ako sa lovelife, kapag may mga decision akong palpak. Nanay ko lang andyan, di nagsasawa umintindi at magmahal sa ken. Kahit ilang beses ako magkamali, lagi nyang sinasabi, habang may buhay may pag asa. Na kapag nadapa, bangon ule. 

I started to appreciate my nanay during my problematic years,and  up to this day, nagsisisi ako bakit di kami ganun naging ka close nung bata pa ako. Sana naging maganda ngayon ang buhay ko. Pero sabi nga niya, habang buhay may pagasa.  I can't thank her enough for her support and empathy. 

My mother is the strongest person Ive  met. She never took "No" for an answer, she always found a way to make both ends meet. She cooks the best "mechado" and "adobong pusit" which my siblings and kids love. She's the one who thought me  what I have to eat. She always told me how beautiful I am and still look young for my age, which of course I believe..hahaha.  

She told me, she was thankful for bringing me up "tough and always ready for the storm" whatever that is. I guess, I got my strength of character from her. Sayang lang di ko namana yung pagiging matiisin nya. 

Hindi ko nga alam kung anu ibbgay ko sa kanya this mother's day. Baka siguro fitflops or Havaianas kase favorite nya yun eh. Pero sabi nya basta magkasama lang daw kami ay okay na. Nanay ko talaga madrama hahaha yun ang namana ko sa kanya. 

Thank you Nay, I am praying for your good health long life and wisdom. 

Running out of ways to say Thanks? Century City Mall will help you with that Thank-You’s to your mom with a bit of surprise along the way. Here’s how.

Mechanics:

1.Like the Century City Mall Facebook Page.

2.Share the THANK-A-MOM-MOVEMENT POSTER

3.Write a dedication to your mom at https://www.facebook.com/CenturyCityMall/app/269862423359705/ from May2-8, 2016. Fill out the sign-up form accurately and completely.cmall

4.Wait for a voucher that will be sent to your email. Bring a copy of the voucher at the THANK-A-MOM booth located at the ground floor of the mall to pick up your prize. Prizes may only be claimed from May 2-8,2016

5.Visit www.centurycitymall.com.ph for complete terms and conditions.

Win up to 10,000 worth of Gift Certificates, Movie passes Discount Coupons and more…Make Yo’ Momma Proud This Mother Day and Go, Surprise her! #ThankAMomMovement @CenturyCityMall

Goldilocks celebrates 50 Golden Years!

Goldilocks has been a part of our family tradition all over the years.  Be it graduation, anniversaries, birthdays, christenings, promotions, Christmas, New year , school opening, etc even a heartbreak!  A Goldilocks fixture would always be at the table, if not a dedication cake, rolls, polvoron, pastries such as ensaymada, egg pies, and breads all throughout the year. Their delicious desserts like Cathedral window, ube and leche flan are the most special request when the siblings from abroad are on vacation here.

Rainbow Cake

Banana Caramel Cake

I believe I had a wonderful opportunity celebrating traditions with Goldilocks all those years.

I remember buying dedication cakes from Goldilocks near UST.  It is the nearest Goldilocks branch from where I live before, when in Manila. It brings back good memories until today. Whenever I passed by Goldilocks UST,  I always drop by the store and buy something my children would love to snack on.

Goldilocks Marketing Manager Ms. Chery Caluya met with us, (the bloggers) at Goldilocks Megamall last April 27. We talked  about Goldilocks history, how it started  (from humble beginnings) with sisters Milagros Leelin-Yee and Clarita Leelin-Go. How everyone from abroad would love to order polvoron and pastillas. Why everyone loves their signature laing, kare kare and rellenong bangus. The  first Pasong Tamo Goldilocks branch then and now and how  Goldilocks has grown to 490 stores – both here and abroad – with some 5,000 local employees.

Ms. Cherry Caluya with the bloggers

As Goldilocks celebrates 50 Golden Years of being the country’s number one bakeshop, its fairytale story still evokes delight and sweetness. Their company have the elements that Filipinos love: a small but exceptional start up, driven by pure determination, flourished by ingenuity, and topped with a uniquely Pinoy entrepreneurial spirit.

Even after five decades in the industry, the guiding principles of its founders (sisters Milagros Leelin-Yee and Clarita Leelin-Go) are are still very much alive and articulated in the Goldilocks vision statement: to be the leading Filipino global brand that will fulfill the changing customer needs through world-class products and services in markets served. Accordingly, from its initial offering of rolls, chiffon slices and pastries, Goldilocks now offers full meal and merienda choices, catering services and is now recognized as the foremost specialist when it comes to decorated cakes. The cakes, pastries, and well-loved dishes that have become so associated with Goldilocks (such as its Fluffy Mamon, Cheesy Ensaymada, Chiffon Cake Slice, Classic Brownies, Chicken Pie, Classic Polvoron, Classic Mocha Roll, Classic Chocolate Roll, Brazo de Mercedes, dinuguan, fresh lumpia, palabok, and laing, just to name a few) have since become the gold standard by which all others are measured.

Thus, for 50 years, the true taste of the Pinoy is still the anchor of their business. Indeed, Goldilocks encompasses everything that is unique, delicious, and delightful about the Filipino people.

The two sisters started their business small. Milagros, a professional nurse, supplied Manila school canteens with chiffon slices, while Clarita baked and decorated cakes for special occasions in Bicol. A twist of fate brought the sisters back together in Manila, and they decided to expand their hobby into something more fulfilling. Together with their sister-in-law Doris, and armed by their love of food, baking and cooking, they opened a small bakeshop in Pasong tamo in 1966. From just 10 employees and two display stands, Goldilocks has grown to 490 stores – both here and abroad – with some 5,000 local employees. It was a third sister, Maria Flor, who named the store based on prosperity and providence: Gold and Luck. From the P574 total sales in 1966, the company has multiplied its earnings thousands of times over, reaching a system-wide total of almost P10 billion as of last count.

Pasong Tamo 

Pasong Tamo, then,

Today, even after fifty years – five decades filled with sweet moments and countless Filipino celebrations – Goldilocks continues to build its legacy while staying true to its foundations. Even as the brand pursues innovation and finds new and meaningful ways to connect with a whole new generation of customers, total customer satisfaction still governs every activity.

As a result, Goldilocks is still moving forward, even after half a century of leadership. Indeed, a Filipino Fairytale was born and developed between 1966 to 2016, and it continues to grow stronger…. Happily Ever After

Everyone had fun at The British School Manila Annual Fete

The school was looking fantastic, the PTA and operations teams had worked all hours, our Raffle tickets sellers had given up on sleep and were ever present, the sun was beating down, the water iced for ‘dunk the teacher’ and our fantastic volunteers from all sections of our community were manning and organising stalls.

The British School Manila was again fully geared up to accommodate the hundreds of our extended community who joined us for the annual Fete – and boy no one was let down. Another wonderful event, entertaining our youngest to our older attendees with bouncy castles, tea rooms, paint ball, coconut shy, the list was endless.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all who helped on the day and especially the PTA who exemplified teamwork and did such a fantastic job (giving up hours of their time) to coordinate the programmes. The day was undoubtedly a major success on every level--funds were raised, fun was had, food and beverage consumed.

But most importantly, in my mind, we came together as a community, young and old, not only to enjoy the day but also to ensure that tradition that has been part of BSM for the last 39 years and 9 months continues into our 40th year. Our sense of community was both maintained and enhanced through the organisation of such a huge event and also enjoying the actual day.

Exercise your right to vote and get a treat at Starbucks!

Being a citizen of one of the few countries that enjoys democracy, you have the right and the responsibility to take part in the election that will shape the future of this nation. Would you let this opportunity pass by?

According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the voter turnout in the 2010 presidential election decreased to 75.04% from 76.99% in 2004 presidential election. This year, Starbucks Philippines’ hopes to increase voter turnout and encourage registered voters to exercise their right and enjoy the freedom to choose the country's next leaders.

On May 9, you have the right to vote for the candidate that embodies your values and aspirations. Keep your voice heard and choose the next leader that will steer our country in the right direction.
In this light, Starbucks Philippines, in its mission to encourage registered voters to exercise their right to vote, launches the Care to Vote campaign that will treat Filipinos who will vote on May 9 to a One For You, One to Share (Buy One, Get One) promotion on its featured Macchiato beverages, Roasted Caramel Macchiato and Chocolate Hazelnut Macchiato.

“Starbucks strives to inspire and nurture the Filipino community even by simply encouraging people to vote. In our little way, we want to reward all the registered voters who exercise their privilege and right,” said Starbucks Philippines head of marketing Keith Cole. 

To avail of the promotion, just show your voting finger with indelible ink to the Barista when you order any featured Macchiato beverage to redeem the complimentary featured Macchiato beverage. Promotion runs in all Starbucks Philippines stores that are open on Election Day, May 9 from 7am to 5pm.

With Starbucks, you can now enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend while taking part in building a better nation.

Chef Carlo Miguel whips up new dishes for Draft Gastropub

Mother's Day is fast approaching and yet you're torn between buying that shoulder bag/ pochette, a cute top and or treating her to a posh resto at BGC. Now worry no more, if you have a "cool" mom like mine,  its time to treat her to Draft Gastropub and order their new dishes by Draft's Executive Chef Carlo Miguel. She will surely love their chicken and meat pie, stracci, (if she is into pasta with a twist) and their spot on cheesecake and not to mention that heavenly Beignet with to die for dark chocolate syrup as side. The instant favorite juicy Triple Threat Sandwich  is  meant for sharing, your mom will surely come back for this. After ordering those favorites, its time to wash it down with the signature and refreshing Moscow beer.

Draft Gastropub introduces new dishes to match your favorite drinks with  so be sure to reserve a table for a fun night of dining.

Put together by Draft’s Executive Chef Carlo Miguel, the quarterly specials offer customers new entrees and a delightful dessert. All go well with Draft’s premium quality European draft beers, fresh brews, and imported booze which are some of the best in the city.

Chef Carlo Miguel

A happy pile of deliciousness is the Chicken Pie brimming with with chicken, mushroom and double-smoked bacon  fillet,  served Tiger style with  mashed potatoes, mashed peas and gravy.
If beef is your fancy, Chef Carlo Miguel creates his version of another pub favorite, the Meat Pie, filled with beef and pepper and again, served Tiger Style.

Roast beef  may be a pub fixture but Draft does it oh so well. Its Triple Threat Sandwich just brims with juiciness with generous slices of roast beef and yes, more meat!  There are Hungaria sausages and slow barbecued pulled pork. All these are then topped with caramelized onions, coleslaw and served with fries.  

 Triple Threat Sandwich

For pasta lovers, Draft introduces the Stracci, a delicious dish of  Shrimps, fresh chorizo, chili and homemade spent grain stracci pasta, tossed in butter, parmesan and herbs.

Stracci

What’s for dessert? Try  the twice cooked Beignet tossed in confectioner’s sugar and served with a warm dark chocolate sauce.

 Beignet

Draft Gastropub is run by The Distillery Group, which was the first to pioneer and introduce European-inspired gastropubs in Manila specializing in high quality comfort food served in a pub setting.

Guests looking for an authentic pub experience need only to get a table at Draft where the atmosphere is chill, the beer is plenty, and the food exceptionally good.

Visit Draft at The Fort, Unit C, The Fort Entertainment Center, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (0917 819 5830);Greenbelt, G/F Unit GB2-06 Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City (0916 469 7436); Alabang, Molito Commercial Complex, Madrigal Ave. cor Alabang Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City, 0917 808 7927

WOW Moms on Mother's Day at Araneta Center!

This Mother’s Day, make your mom feel extra special by treating her to an all-around experience of beauty, pampering and relaxation at the Araneta Center.

Join Araneta Center’s World of Wellness for Moms (W.O.W. Moms!), a special Mother’s Day celebration featuring health and wellness activities sure to make her feel renewed and more inspired.

The fun begins with the Mother’s Day Wellness Fair at Gateway Food Park on May 8. Join hundreds of other moms as they dance their way to fitness. A highlight of the fair is a half-day exercise marathon that includes jazz funk and belly dancing sessions with Jill Ngo, and Zumba with Regine Tolentino.

Free registration starts at 5:30 a.m. at the Gateway Food Park, so come early. All Novotel guests and SMART Araneta Coliseum and KIA Theatre ticket holders are also entitled to free entrance to the event.

After sweating it out, visit the Rustan’s Gourmet Food Fair at the Gateway Mall Activity Area for healthy and sumptuous treats. Also check out the Health and Wellness Talk at Ali Mall Activity Area, 3 p.m., where PhilHealth representatives will discuss and answer questions regarding women’s health issues and reproductive health.

Then, surprise mom with a refreshing hair makeover at Menage Salon, and a manicure and pedicure session at Nail-a-holics, both conveniently located at 4/F Gateway Mall. With her fresh haircut and newly-done nails, your mom will surely look younger and more radiant.

Of course, the pampering is not complete without a beauty makeover. Let your mom enjoy a rejuvenating facial and other skincare services at Dermcare Luxe; or have her experience body waxing treatments at Lay Bare, also located at 4/F Gateway Mall.

Shoppers at New Farmers Plaza, meanwhile, can add to mom's delight by giving her a rose they can get for free with every P300 receipt!

End your mom’s special day with another treat by letting her indulge in her choice of spa services at Menage Salon and Mont Albo Massage Hut at Manhattan Parkway, as well as Fashion and Beyond Nail Spa at Manhattan Parkview. Located within the Araneta Center complex, the comforting ambiance of these establishments will surely make your mom feel like a queen.

Mother’s Day happens only once a year so it's the best time to show her your appreciation. Make her feel loved not just on her special day but all year round with a variety of beauty and wellness services at Araneta Center, the perfect place to indulge and unwind.

For more event updates and promos from Araneta Center, visit its official website at www.aranetacenter.net or follow it on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aranetacenter, Twitter (@AranetaCenter) and Instagram (@theAranetaCenter).

Express Yourself in TEDxBritishSchoolManila

On the 12th of March, in a collaboration between British School Manila and TEDx - the programme inspired by TED conference designed for a local experience - inspiring speakers came to our school for musical performances and informative activities taught us a thing or two about expressing oneself. Everyone left the event a little more open-minded about how expressing you can change both you and the community around you. Each speaker had a different story to tell, reaching and inspiring every person in the audience.

Roy Moore, the executive director at Fairplay for All Foundation, talked about his contribution to the Payatas dumpsite, and how his time there taught him that expressing yourself when building a community leads to enormous changes.

A crowd favorite definitely had to be Sergio Gabriel, a spoken word poet and story teller. He taught us to never miss an opportunity to tell a good story, and that everyone is a storyteller in their own way. Every year, he grows his hair out then shaves it off to donate it to a cancer foundation. He does this because he's always looked up to his grandfather, who died due to cancer, giving him the initiative to help others who are suffering from this illness too.

“The best stories that we can give are the ones that we are writing now.” As Sergio said, you should always be ready to answer the question, “What's your story?” Someone out there will be willing to listen.

Jay Jaboneta, a Filipino blogger shared about the yellow boat project where he created a foundation that provides yellow boats for children to get to school instead of swimming. Ending his speech, Jaboneta told the crowd how self-expression, even in social media, can have large impacts. “We can do small things in a great way,” he concluded.

Architect and interior designer Joseph Javier of Javier Design Studio Manila expressed himself through the design and aesthetics of Filipino Architecture. He enlightened the audience about how most of us today see our own country and how to embrace the ‘baduy’ (corny) and the ‘maarte’ (picky) traits of the Philippines.

To begin the final segment of the day's event, Hindy Weber Tantoco shared her story of transitioning from a fashion designer to an urban farmer. Tantoco spoke about her daughter, who upon being diagnosed of a rare disease in which she can only eat a strict diet changed her life. Surprisingly, she realised that she loved what she was doing. "We can't stay stuck,"she said about her story, "Life wants us to evolve."

Lastly, CarlitosSiguion-Reyna, who studied and taught at NYU at the Tisch School of the Arts, told us about how we can express ourselves through art - specifically, film.

A total of 30 students, one teacher, 6 months of preparation, and over 100 emails sent out to participants made this 6-hour event possible. One week before the 12th of March, the whole team worked hard to meet active deadlines. According to Jan Sy, former president of the TEDxBritishSchoolManila Team, “This year’s conference [was] very different from last year’s TEDx conference. It’s very different in a good way”.

"There were a few stressful times," admitted Martin Tan, one of the vice presidents for this year's event, "but we pulled together as a team, and it was a really fun and rewarding experience, which will hopefully inspire and benefit those who got to watch."

"TEDx this year was run by an amazing and dedicated team of Y12 students with a passion for ideas worth spreading," said Aurora Guild, the president and main organiser, "The speakers inspired the audience in all walks of life. We're incredibly blessed to have worked with such an amazing team, and thank you so much to everyone who made this possible! Our speakers, sponsors, and volunteers were absolute stars."

"I'd also like to thank the patience of Winston, our student-led publication. TED and Winston share several members and the same meeting time, thank you guys for letting us have Gabbi, Julian, Michelle and Liezl for the last few weeks when it got critical!" added Aurora. "We can't wait for next year's event!"

Staying true to the name and reputation of the TED conference, this event gave the audience an abundance of advice through eye-opening talks, and a reminder that expressing yourself can be done in a variety of ways which can change your life completely. Finally, TEDxBSM reminded us (or words to that effect) that we should not be afraid to take a leap of faith, embrace our individuality and show the world our truest self.

This was written by writers of Winston, a student-led publication of British School Manila. For more, visit their website here.