SuperStar Virgo Cruise High Seas Cruise Day 1

Before last month, I have never been to a cruise. I honestly never even thought I’d be able to experience one until I got an invitation from Star Cruises for an open seas “sailcation” aboard the Super Star Virgo.

Now, the closest thing I’ve experienced to a cruise was when I got invited to a Boracay trip onboard 2GO’s MV St. Ignatius De Loyola a couple of years ago.

But as I would later find out, the only similarities between the two were the fact that they were both big ships who sailed the open seas. I am, however, really grateful for that 2Go experience because not only did I prove that I don’t suffer from sea sickness, it also helped me overcome any fears of traveling by sea.

When I first read the email invite, I immediately searched for “SuperStar Virgo” and my jaw fell after seeing how big it was! I couldn’t contain my excitement of finally being able to sail aboard one of the world’s biggest luxury ships, and really experience what my friends and relatives who have joined other cruises, can’t seem to stop talking about.

After reading a bit more about Super Star Virgo, I found out that it had a theater (with showed movies and live entertainment shows) a big pool, a casino, several restaurants and of course a lot of instagrammable spots which I of course wanted to explore.

But the real question I wanted to answer during our 3 day 3 night high seas tour, (which means we never docked) was, “Should you include ‘take a cruise’ into your bucket list?

Day 1

Our meeting place was Hotel H20 at 3pm. We came from an event that day and had to rush because of the Saturday traffic. I think you can go directly to the pier where SS Virgo is located but they also have a free shuttle in case you want to catch a ride or are parked at Hotel H20. All of us gathered at the lobby while our 30 person group was completed and we boarded a bus to the Pier where the Super Star Virgo Cruise was docked.

Since we were just going to be at the ship, I decided to packed light and put everything inside my trusty High Sierra backpack which I have been using since 2009! It took me to many countries since then so I guess swerte siya sa ken.

So what should you bring on a cruise? While it still depends on where you are going (be sure to  check the weather forecast!) what I realized is you should wear light clothes when you are on board the ship but have a light jacket ready—always…

It can be very hot outside if you are going to the deck but as soon as you enter the ship’s resto’s casinos and all the other indoor amenities it can really get cold as the AC is always on high I think.

If you are planning on doing a photoshoot bring lots of clothes there are a lot of places for your OOTDs! Take note that you still have a baggage limit, and you are only allowed one check-in baggage.



If you can, I suggest you just hand carry everything instead of waiting for them to bring your luggage to your cabin—at least you don’t have to worry about it being lost or being delivered to a different room.

Bring lots of sunblock if you plan on swimming or even if you just plan on lounging on deck. There is also a basketball court, a golf range and few other stuff to do outside your cabin. The toiletries are quite good—just like what you’d find in 5 star hotels so if you forget your toiletries don’t worry.

While we were not going to any country, your passport is still a must when going on a cruise.

We were advised to leave  our passports at the immigration. We got it just before disembarcation.

If you are joining the Taiwan and Japan cruise , don’t worry because its VISA FREE for the March-May Super Star Virgo Cruise promo.

There is a bit of a line but immigration will only take a couple of minutes just be sure to fill up your immigration forms.

If you do decide to carry your luggage take note that there is a bit of a walk up the stairs leading to the entrance of Star Virgo. There you will check in and you will be handed your access card / key card to your room. Do not lose the access card as you will need it every time you enter a restaurant for a meal, or buy something from the shops / all your purchases will be charged to the card which you need to pay and clear before disembarkation.

We all got state rooms with windows giving us the best sunset view overlooking the Manila Bay. If you are not claustrophobic they also have middle rooms which are cheaper but do not have windows) Our room even had a balcony where you can sit and relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

But if you have kids, I highly suggest you keep the door closed and just tell them to stay inside the room for everyone's safety.

After freshening up, we took our early dinner at The Taverna. Its chow time! The buffet, (all our meals were buffet by the way!) There were grilled lamb chops, wellington beef, noodles, seafood, cheese rolls, chicken and desserts! 

They also served ice cold teas and beers, but be sure to check which are free and which have additional charges.

Take note that the currency on board is HK dollars.

The Taverna' s view is the Parthenon pool with slides

Dinner with desserts and drinks were served by The Taverna 

Grilled lambchops

Mussels and oranges

Wok Fried Korean Seafood Noodles

Before sailing there is a Safety Drill for every passengers  to comply.  The staff demonstrated on how to wear the lifevest properly in case of emergency situation.

Then we get back to our room after dinner to prepare for the Magic show Spirits at the Zodiac Theatre. 

We hurriedly dressed up to watch the Spirits at the Zodiac Theatre. It was superbly staged and performed by Europe’s top illusionist Vincent Vignaud. Right after the show the Illusionist  Vincent Vignaud gladly obliged for a selfie with the audience.

            A selfie with Illusionist Vincent Vignaud capped off the night

   
We headed back to our room right after the show and slept the night away. Knowing that an adventure awaits us for the next day.

My Daily Collagen Drink promotes a firmer, youthful and radiant skin

We all want to keep people guessing about our age, right? Through the years, many adventurers have been trying to find that mythical fountain of youth, but science may have come up with something even better.

According to experts, the secret to a youthful glow is a fibrous protein called collagen, which in combination with Hyaluronic Acid, has a powerful role in giving our skin firmness and elasticity. It is produced by the body at the cellular level, and it constantly regenerates when we are younger. Moreover, collagen is a key element in the health of joints, cartilage, tendons, bones and all connective human tissue.

It accounts for almost 30% of the human body, but as we age, collagen production slows down and the existing collagen can get damaged due to sun exposure and bad skin habits. As a result, skin starts to sag and wrinkles begin to greet you in the mirror.

One way of achieving a youthful glow is to replenish the supply of collagen in our body. My Daily Collagen is a supplement drink from Japan that is formulated to promote a firmer, youthful and radiant skin. The refreshing mango-flavored drink is fortified with Collagen, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Elastin and Royal Jelly.

Unlike other collagen brands, each My Daily Collagen bottle has the right amount of easily-absorbed marine collagen peptide, which is said to be the purest and safest form of collagen. Each delicious serving gives us 1000 mg for our daily intake to ensure that the daily requirement of collagen is supplied. It also has the added nutrient benefits from Vitamin C and Royal Jelly, to help provide overall health benefits in a convenient, ready-to drink, and delicious beverage.

My Daily Collagen helps reduce wrinkles and improve skin conditions. The combination of Hyaluronic Acid and vitamins rejuvenates your skin from inside, while the Royal Jelly helps to boost the immune system.

Drinking My Daily Collagen regularly likewise supports the regrowth of joint tissue and can help relieve joint pains, particularly in older adults. It has a positive effect on weight loss, hair growth and nail strength and can promote a restful sleep as it helps balance hormones and alleviate anxiety. As collagen is also a building block for other major organs, it even detoxifies the liver and helps repair leaky gut syndrome and prevents the hardening of arteries. 
 
The breakthrough wellness drink is popular in Japan – you can even buy it at their convenience stores! Luckily, we Filipinos can now enjoy the same collagen-rich delicious drink because it is now available in the Philippines, through the partnership between the 100% Filipino company Global Wellness Enterprise that develops, and distributes products that promote good health, enhance beauty, and optimize personal care, and the Nizona Corporation of Japan, which distributes Japanese health products worldwide.  This natural supplement is derived from natural ingredients, from the careful selection of raw materials through the entire manufacturing process in GMP and Japanese Ministry of Health approved facilities – so you know that it is safe!

For healthy, youthful skin, enjoy a chilled bottle of My Daily Collagen once a day, either in the morning or before you go to bed at night as part of that beauty regimen. My Daily Collagen is available in Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, Southstar Drug and through Lazada. For more information about My Daily Collagen and other Global Wellness Enterprise products that promote a healthy lifestyle, visit www.globalwellnessph.com

Emirates celebrates Easter with inflight and on-ground special offerings

Emirates is about to make Easter more special for travellers coming home from Dubai to the Philippines from March 30 to April 2, offering a range of special treats that will be available across all classes, both on board Emirates’ airport lounges.

From March 30 to April 2, travellers across all three classes, from tourists to overseas Filipino workers returning home, can look forward to Emirates’ special hot cross buns—handmade using the airline’s signature recipe with spiced dough and orange peel, sultanas and currants—to be served onboard.

Various Easter-themed desserts will also be served to all customers, including white chocolate eggs in Economy Class. Business Class customers can look forward to Emirates’ hot breakfast offerings, including its signature hot cross buns and desserts with Easter themed decorations, as well as the airline’s exquisite afternoon tea offers. The seasonal menus will be available together with the regionally inspired cuisine served on all Emirates flights.

On Easter Sunday itself, festivities will kick off in Emirates lounges at the Dubai International Airport and in most of the Emirates lounges around the world. Customers in all seven lounges in Dubai will be able to enjoy hot cross buns, chocolate hazelnut Easter cake, Easter delight with mango mousse and almond florentine, carrot cake and Easter eggs in a basket.

In addition to these delectable treats, travellers can also access more than 3,500 channels of on-demand entertainment with iCE, Emirates’ award-winning entertainment system. This includes over 700 movies from around the world, and continuously growing to offer more choices.

For those coming home from Dubai during the Easter break, they can enjoy new family friendly movies like Paddington 2, Wonder, and Justice League. Blockbusters like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Greatest Showman, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, will become available by April.

The Easter celebrations on board and on the ground are part of Emirates’ commitment enhance the customer experience with unique and seasonal offerings.

Women Redefined: The 3rd Belle de Jour Women’s Summit

Nearly 500 participants gathered for the 3rd Women’s Summit recently organized by Viviamo! Inc., the company behind Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner. With the theme “Women Redefined”, this year’s event aimed to equip millennials with encouraging messages from strong female role models who are redefining the society’s standards for women.

Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; Singer, TV host and Alopecia Areata advocate Abby Asistio, airine pilot Blu Bingoy; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura. 

“Our society has constantly bombarded today’s women - especially the millennials - with unrealistic standards regarding beauty and career, making it hard for them to find themselves and lead an authentic life. Through the Women’s Summit, Viviamo! Inc. hopes to empower them as they pursue fulfillment while being true to their identity,” shared BDJ founder Darlyn Ty-Nilo.

At the summit, guests were treated to inspiring talks and fun activities at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier. The day began with a keynote speech by Ty-Nilo, who talked about the importance of claiming one’s success.

“To own up to your success is not a form of bragging, rather a means to realize that all the sweat and tears that you put into your job are making a difference,” she said, adding, “Women should learn to acknowledge their achievements so that they can inspire others to reach for their dreams.”

Meanwhile, Rachel de Villa, co-founder and chief technology officer of Cropital, opened the first plenary session entitled Resilient Females, which focused on overcoming one’s circumstances and maximizing one’s blessings. De Villa shared that she has always considered herself a problem solver, so she developed Cropital when she found the opportunity to help Filipino farmers access financial support. Through Cropital, anyone can provide farmers with funds for proper equipment and training from agriculture experts.

For her part, PinoyAkoBlog.com owner Jover Laurio continues to publish critical articles on the country’s political situation, despite the relentless cyberbullying and death threats. Laurio has drawn flak for being outspoken in her fight against fake news.

At the second plenary dubbed Courageous Females, resource speakers talked about living their authentic selves and defying expectations regarding women’s roles in the society. Blu Pingoy, for instance, courageously pursued her dream of becoming a pilot, a job usually taken on by males. With her persistence, Pingoy became one of the first few female commercial pilots in the country.



Meanwhile, singer-songwriter and alopecia areata awareness advocate Abby Asistio did not allow the society’s standards to define her. As someone who suffered from alopecia or hair loss at an early age, she encouraged women to embrace their uniqueness and get over their insecurities. “Even if society says kailangan long hair para maging girly ka, eh hindi ako long-haired eh. Dapat manggaling sa sarili ko na, okay lang kahit hindi long hair, maganda pa ako with short hair. Just be open to embracing your own uniqueness.”

Aside from promoting resilience and courage, the summit also stressed the value of paving one’s path and sustaining success in the third plenary session called Resourceful Females, featuring businesswomen Audrey Tangonan and Kathleen Yu.

Starting a business is risky, but Sinaya Cup founder Audrey Tangonan persevered because she believed that her idea can genuinely improve people’s lives. Now, her menstrual cup business has attained massive success locally and internationally.

Kathleen Yu, owner of Manila-based tech start-up Rumarocket Inc., also shared the moving story of her business. From the initial failures, Kathleen resolved to learn from mistakes and bounce back. “As long as I was alive, I could always change and grow and learn and become different,” she said.

These speakers’ thoughts echo the women’s advocacy of Belle De Jour, which has always aimed to empower modern Filipina women by equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and self-appreciation. As Ty-Nilo explains, “We hope to help build a world where women are bound not by societal expectations, but by their vision of who they really want to be.”

The 3rd BDJ Women’s Summit was co-presented by Chinoy TV, Lipault and Sun Life Financial. Major sponsors include Food Panda, Modess, Wacoal, GCash, Style Genie, Biore, Caronia, Celeteque, Cinnabon, Fitness Gourmet, Jergens, Jollibee, Kipling, Liese, MegRhythm, Parisian Shoes and Bags, Serenitea, Zenutrients, Features and Shades, and Award Extremes Inc. 
Ace Water Spa, Chef Tony, Frankie’s, Goldilocks, and McDonald’s provided loot bags and raffle prizes, while Adobo Magazine, Rappler, and When in Manila served as media partners.

Fern launches self-titled debut E.P. "Fern"

The 17 year-old singer-songwriter-producer having only been active on the scene for a few months has already garnered multiple achievements. His first single ‘Into You,’ debuted and stayed at #1 on the Spotify Philippines Top 50 Viral Chart for one week, and has garnered over 1.5 million plays on Spotify. ‘Into You,’ along with his latest single ‘Wanna Dance With You’ have both been included by Spotify in playlists in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

On top of this, Fern. has been featured on Scout Magazine’s 'Teens Under 18 To Watch Out For In 2018,’ and has already been given opportunities to collaborate with young OPM artists such as Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, TALA, and Claudia Barretto.

Heavily inspired by the beats of the ‘80s, along with a handful of sonic influences from artists such as The 1975, LANY, The Weeknd, and Frank Ocean, the EP features songs that perfectly encapsulate the euphoric experiences of youth, love, and heartbreak that will definitely resonate with everyone looking for songs to chill and groove along to.

In addition, an EP Launch Party was held at Early Night?, BGC last March 26, 2018 to much success, with the attendance of both fans and media alike.

Fern.’s self-titled debut EP, featuring his singles ‘Into You,’ ‘Are You Mine,’ and ‘Wanna Dance With You,’ along with three new tracks, is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon.

Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @ferntan_ and on Facebook at facebook.com/fernperiod

SM Skating MOA to host Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia, April 3-8

The Philippines will host the 2018 Challenge Cup of Asia from April 3-8, 2018 at the SM Skating Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This is the first time that the country will sponsor the annual international ice hockey tournament that is sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

“We are very proud and excited to host, for the first time, the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia which has been held in different countries since it was founded in 2008,” said Chris Sy, Federation of Ice Hockey Philippines president.

The 2018 Challenge Cup also marks the first time that the Philippines will compete in the men’s top division of the annual tournament among some of the best ice hockey teams in the region.

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team hopes to make the country proud as it competes against Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia, and Singapore in the 2018 IHHF Challenge Cup of Asia at the SM Skating Mall of Asia. All Philippine team games are scheduled for 7PM.


Riding on the momentum of its gold medal victory in the first-ever ice hockey event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Ice Hockey Team, backed by the SM Group, hopes to make a podium finish in the 5-nation Challenge Cup of Asia as it plays against Thailand on April 3, Kuwait on April 5, Mongolia on April 6, and Singapore on April 8. All games of the Philippine team are scheduled at 7PM.



Other Challenge Cup of Asia games will feature Singapore vs Mongolia on April 3 (3:30PM), Mongolia vs Kuwait on April 4 (7PM), Thailand vs Singapore on April 5 (3:3PM), Mongolia vs Thailand on April 7 (3:30PM), Kuwait vs Singapore on April 7 (7PM), and Kuwait vs Thailand on Aril 8 (3:30PM).



During the Challenge Cup, the Olympic-size ice skating rink at the SM Skating Mall of Asia will be the battleground of the competing ice hockey teams. It is equipped with complete facilities such as a digital scoreboard, players’ boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes, locker rooms, and a 200-seater stands located around the rink.

“We are honored to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to host the first official IIHF event in the country. This shows how the Philippines can truly be at par with its Asian neighbors not only in terms of the quality of its sports programs and athletes, but also in the quality of its sports facilities,” said Herman Medina-Cue, COO of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., the only company in the Philippines to carry Olympic size ice rinks.

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team hopes to make the country proud as it competes against Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia, and Singapore in the 2018 IHHF Challenge Cup of Asia at the SM Skating Mall of Asia. All Philippine team games are scheduled for 7PM.

Marvel Studios has begun principal photography in Los Angeles, California, on its newest film, “Captain Marvel.”

Marvel Studios has begun principal photography in Los Angeles, California, on its newest film, “Captain Marvel.” The production is shooting in and around the greater Los Angeles area, which will also serve as the production base for the film. The production will also shoot on location in Fresno, California, as well as locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans.


Set for release in the United States on March 8, 2019, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is directed by the writing/directing team of Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, whose credits include “Mississippi Grind” and “Half Nelson.” An all-star collective of accomplished writers penned the screenplay, including Meg LeFauve (“Inside Out,” “The Good Dinosaur”), Nicole Perlman (upcoming “First Man,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Geneva Robertson-Dworet (“Tomb Raider,” upcoming “Sherlock Holmes 3”), Liz Flahive & Carly Mensch (“Glow”), and Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck.


The film stars Academy Award winner Brie Larson (“Room,” “Kong: Skull Island”), Samuel L. Jackson (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “The Hateful Eight”), Ben Mendelsohn (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Ready Player One”), Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Lee Pace (“The Book of Henry,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Lashana Lynch (“Brotherhood,” “Fast Girls”), Gemma Chan (“Humans,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”), Algenis Perez Soto (“Sambá,” “Sugar”), Rune Temte (“Eddie The Eagle,” “The Last Kingdom”), McKenna Grace (“I, Tonya,” “Gifted”), with Clark Gregg (“Live by Night,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”), and Jude Law (“Spy,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”).


The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.  Set in the 1990s, “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


Kevin Feige is the producer of Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel.” Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patty Whitcher and Stan Lee are executive producers, with Lars Winther serving as co-producer/first assistant director and David Grant serving as co-producer.


Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s creative team includes director of photography Ben Davis (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri,” Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,”), Oscar- nominated production designer Andy Nicholson (“Gravity,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), costume designer Sanja Hays (“The Fate of the Furious,” “Star Trek: Beyond”), editors Elliot Graham (“Steve Jobs,” “Molly’s Game,”) and Debbie Berman (Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”), two-time Oscar nominee, visual effects supervisor Christopher Townsend (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”), stunt coordinator Jim Churchman (Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” and “Ant-Man” ) and six-time Oscar nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Black Panther”).


Based on the Marvel comic character first appearing in 1968, “Captain Marvel” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and, most recently, “Black Panther.”


With the release of “Black Panther” in February, Marvel Studios continued its unprecedented success. At the time of release, the film recorded the second biggest opening weekend of all time with $202 million and is on track to the become the highest grossing superhero film at the domestic box office. The film has grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide to date. “Black Panther” propelled the Marvel brand’s #1 domestic box-office opening streak to a record-breaking 19 consecutive films.

Get ready to unlock exciting experiences at the 2nd Cream-O Flix Fest

Enjoy another unforgettable unique bonding experience with family and friends as Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O gathers everyone for its second year of Cream-O Flix Fest.


This year, Cream-O Flix Fest is bringing a fresh and new creative outdoor cinema experience as it invites Cream-Oholics to an arcade-themed entertainment park. Prepare to “Unlock the Irresistible” as Cream-O celebrates everyone’s shared love for watching movies, playing games, and eating their favorite chocolate cookies at the Central Park, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) By the Bay in Pasay City on April 7, 2018 from 3pm onwards. This exciting event is free and open to the public.



Experience an entertaining “afternoon ‘til evening” movie marathon with a lineup of blockbuster flicks that Cream-O has prepared. Sit back and have fun with the Lego Batman Movie; be amazed with X-Men Days of Future Past and enjoy an action packed adventure with Spiderman Homecoming.

Everyone is invited to bring out their creative side at the Cream-Ofied Creations booth where Cream-Oholics can jazz-up their well-loved cookies in four easy steps: (1) choose, (2) dip, (3) sprinkle and (4) drizzle. First they can choose their favorite Cream-O variant (Vanilla, Choco Fudge, Deluxe, Crinkles, Chocolate Chip, Cookies ‘n Cream and Choco ‘n Berries) and dip it in rich chocolate (milk, dark or white), peanut butter or whipped cream. They can add extra color, texture and flavor to their creations with a wide variety of toppings, and even drizzle on some delicious chocolate, caramel or strawberry syrup. What do you get? Your very own Cream-Ofied Cookies!



For the arcade geeks, there are enjoyable game booths like the Cream-O Warp Pipes, Claw the Cream-O, and Cream-O Movie Combo Trivia Game.



Live music performances and exciting raffle prizes await Cream-Oholics at the event.


Mark your calendars and get ready to spread happiness at the Cream-O Flix Fest! Get the latest from Cream-O on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at /creamoholicsph. Official hashtags: #HappinessofCreamOholics #CreamOFlixFest2018