#BondOverMusic with Soundfreaq speakers

Why You Should Gather Your Friends and #BondOverMusic
Join the Instagram contest to win Soundfreaq speakers

A lot of us love listening to music all by ourselves. However, did you know that music might just be better enjoyed with friends, over your favorite Soundfreaq speakers? According to research*, listening to music can increase positive emotions and strengthen ties among groups. Here are four reasons why you and your friends should #BondOverMusic starting today:

1. Music can make us like another person more.
Have you ever felt closer to people after a night of karaoke? According to research, the cooperation required to sing together, harmonize, and keep the beat tends to increase the release of endorphins (pleasure chemicals) in our brain. This makes us like the people we are singing with all the more.

2. Music can make us trust others more.
In addition to releasing endorphins, listening to music also releases oxytocin, the hormone that makes us trust others. So not only do we end up liking the people we are singing with, we also end up believing in them.

3. Music builds up our empathy.
Listening to music has also been shown to activate areas of the brain that helps us understand what another person is thinking and feeling. This makes it easier for us to predict how they will act, and then adjust our own behavior accordingly.

4. Music deepens our connection with others.
Have you ever felt an instant connection with a person, just because he or she shares your taste in music? You are not alone. Studies have shown that sharing the same taste in music with others tends to make us think that they share the same values as us. This in turn makes us more open to them being part of our lives.

Looking for a speaker for your great bonding moments? Soundfreaq is launching its #BondOverMusic campaign, where you can get a chance to win a Soundfreaq Pocket Kick, a Sound Spot, a Double Spot, or a Sound Rise.


Clockwise: Pocket Kick, Sound Spot, Double Spot, and Sound Rise

Simply post an Instagram photo of someone with whom you love bonding over music. In the caption, complete this statement, “Using #Soundfreaq speakers, I want to #bondovermusic with (tag your friend) because he/she ________.” Remember to tag @DigitsTradingPH and @Soundfreaq. Post as many entries as possible until June 30, 2015. These photos might just give you the chance to win a speaker not just for you, but for your friend as well. Interested to learn more? Check out @DigitsTradingPH on Instagram!

Watch Kung Fu Panda 3's First Trailer here!

                In DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda 3” first trailer, Po and the gang is back with three times the force and adventure! Po (voiced by Jack Black) is now considered as the legendary Dragon Warrior who has already saved the world a few times but has remained a humble panda despite wide and wild adulation.

                Along with his best buddies, Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Crane (David Cross),  Viper (Lucy Liu) and Mantis (Seth Rogen), Po continues kung-fu training under the tutelage of Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman).  The trailer shows that Po has finally met his father (Byran Cranston) in a very heartwarming and hilarious scene wherein the whole village sighed in frustration when the two didn’t immediately realize they’re both the father and son they’ve long been searching for.

                Prepare for “Kung Fu Panda 3” when it opens this 2016 in cinemas nationwide!  Trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcbZFnkvcZI&list=PLcZs6n5iZPx-3gqskDwaQrIBpJeJ5dWOw




                Check out Philippines’ own “Kung Fu Panda 3” website here: http://www.kungfupandamovie-ph.com/  to keep up with awesomeness!

Philam Life presents National Artist Vicente Manansala's paintings at the National Museum

Philam Life CEO Axel Bromley

The last time I made a visit to the National Museum was in high school and it was a school field trip. I had a vague memory of the museum, until I saw the movie "Night at the Museum". Now that I am older and wiser, I suddenly had an urge to visit our own National Museum,  to see what's iconic artifacts are inside and if its in mint condition, to ghost haunt, see the Spoliarium painting by the National Artist Juan Luna, and what the museum offers now that Im two and a half decade older. Until I got an invite from a PR friend.

Spoliarium 

Philam Life offers an exclusive tour of the Philam Life Gallery by National Museum Assistant Director Dr. Ana Labrador last June 16 together with Philam Life CEO Axel Bromley to the media guests. The building itself is newly renovated and painted, the hallways are clean, the exhibition room is well- lit and organized. We first passed by the "Spoliarium" painting by National Artist Juan Luna. Spoliarium is a Latin word for coliseum's morgue which refers to the basement of the Roman Colosseum where the fallen and dying gladiators are dumped and devoid of their worldly possessions.

 Philamlife brings the Vicente Manansala collection , another illustrious National Artist,  the late Vincent Manansala, had his work exhibited at the National Museum. Vicente Manansala was a cubist painter and illustrator of no small renown. He was commissioned by Philam Life to create murals for the Philam Life Head Office. Following his passing in 1981, he was posthumously proclaimed a National Artist in Painting on the same year.

The gallery houses Manansala's  art collection that depict Filipino life, rendered in the artist signature style of “transparent cubism”.

Philam Life donated Php 1 million to the Museum through the Philam Foundation. The sum will be
used for the further upkeep of the paintings at the Philam Life Gallery, and was received by Dr. Ana Labrador on behalf of the National Museum.

The Philam Foundation has also been cooperating with the National Museum in building classrooms in typhoon-affected areas under the “Philam Paaralan” program. They jointly built four new classrooms - two in Loon South Central Elementary School, in Loon, Bohol soon after the earthquake and two in Salug Elementary School in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, which was among the schools devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.

Philam Life’s new CEO takes pride in its Manansala collection. “As an art connoisseur myself, it is a privilege to be part of an institution that strongly supports the arts,” said Mr. Axel Bromley. He believes in the importance of developing education and promoting the advancement of Philippine arts and culture. “We hope that through this partnership with the National Museum, more Filipinos can appreciate our collection and have access to these precious artworks of National Artist Vicente Manansala.”

Visit The National Museum, the Manansala paintings are now available for public viewing. The best part is, admission is free.

Mister Donut keeps you on the go with their Energy Bav and Energy Shots donuts!

Mister Donut partners with 7-Eleven in launching the Energy Donuts by combining the kick-start of a caffeinated drink and the indulgent coffee--these two variants are the Energy-Bav,  a delicious Shell donuts filled with Coffee Fudge Bavarian  that’s been infused with just the right amount of sugar and Nescafe Premium Roast to keep you going if you are working the night shift and the Energy-Shots miniature round donuts that let you recharge on-the-go, just the turbo boost you need to continue your day. These specialty donuts are only available at 7-Eleven stores near you.

The Energy Donuts were launched last June 18 at Sarsa Kitchen in Makati, and we were able to sample these two delicious energy donuts filled with bavarian and has the right kick of premium Nescafe roast coffee. If you are working the night shift and needed the energy to stay up late, these donuts will keep you awake until your shift ends. While the Energy shots are the right snack for students who are on the go.

Working extra hours is for many Filipinos the rule, and ot the exception. According to the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES), as of April 2015, 20M out of 37.5M working Filipinos sacrifice their free time for overtime. This statistic does not even include the large number of students burning the midnight oil to complete assignments and school projects.  It is during these crucial hours that people feel the need for a pick-me-up, in the way of caffeine or sugar, and many choose to reach for a coffee or a chocolate bar. For the average Filipino—whose life is becoming increasingly busy, when every second counts in the rush to beat deadlines, warming up with a cup of coffee or packing a milk chocolate may not be the best option.

So whether you’re headed to the office, school, or just simply a spot to hang out with your friends, stop into a 7-Eleven nearest you and grab Mister Donut’s new Energy Donuts today. The Energy Donuts are exclusively available in 7-Eleven stores.  For more information on these quick and tasty caffeinated treats, or to check out videos and pictures of Mister Donut surprising offices with their new energy enhancing products,  please visit www.facebook.com/MrDonutPH

Start your journey to wellness at Robinsons Supermarket

Back in the late 90s,  I used to weigh  143lbs for my 5'2 frame. Yes, I was overweight and had a hard time walking and doing errands. I experienced shortness of breath just by walking 250 meters away from home to work. My kneecaps hurt like there's a "pin and needles" sensation to it. I decided to visit my physician/endocrinologist and she suggested that I should lose weight, eat more vegetables, fruits, avoid nuts and eat only lean meat if I crave.  Drink more water for hydration, avoid softdrinks, sugar juices concentrate, iced teas and drink a cup of hot green tea before sleeping.  Exercise, walk and join a fun run if I have the time. I followed most of her advice and it paid off after 5 years,  until I reached my desired weight of 115lbs. I now breathe normally, my skin cleared up, my hair becomes shiny and stops from hairfall, lesser doctor visits, and the best part is I got to buy small sizes tops and dresses.

I always shopped at Robinsons Supermarket for my fruits and drinks when Im in Manila. I discovered their "wellness" campaign last year when I dropped by at Robinsons Magnolia and stopped at Healthy Selections,  there I bought almonds and 5 bottles of squeezed orange juice. Since Robinsons Supermarket is encouraging everyone to take the step to a journey of wellness through the Wellness Festival. 

Robinsons Supermarket kicked off the month-long celebration at Robinsons Magnolia with a "Wizard of Oz" theme park as the "yellow brick road"  gears to getting fit and healthy last June 16. The event was hosted by the triathlete herself, Ms. Iya Villania-Arellano.  Booths from known health and wellness brands Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Del Monte, Abbott, Fonterra and Unilab  offers exciting activations and freebies for shoppers to enjoy and learn more about wellness.

 Robinsons Supermarket is encouraging everyone to take the step to a journey of wellness through the Wellness Festival. It is a month-long festivity filled with promos and activities, all geared towards helping people actively choose the healthy lifestyle.

The wellness month that will last the whole month of July gets a head start with a race to wellness fronted by active lifestyle advocates Daniel and Vanessa Matsunaga at Robinsons Magnolia.

Robinsons Supermarket fortifies its commitment to wellness by helping more Filipinos make healthier choices by easing access to healthier alternatives and making it as convenient as possible. It invites everyone to embark on a wellness journey as soon as they set foot inside a Robinsons Supermarket, with its unique health and wellness section. This destination area aims to address varied nutrition needs to fit every lifestyle and to help consumers make learned purchases.

Robinsons Supermarket continues to employ the “Shop Smart” tag label that color codes items based on their health benefits, nutritional content, and price discounts. Achieve everyday wellness and choose healthy items in green tags. These are products that meet at least three (3) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s eight (8) nutritional attributes, namely: low salt, low calorie, low fat, low in saturated fat, sugar free, low cholesterol, low sodium, source of protein and source of dietary fiber.

Customers are also spoilt for choice as Robinsons Supermarket has its own exclusive line of healthy products called Healthy You, which ranges from nuts, oats, juice, olive oils and many more. Or, they can also check out the supermarket’s ready-to-eat station called Healthy Selections where pre-packed healthy meals called Fit Cuisine or the make-your-own salad station can be found.

“We, at Robinsons Supermarket, believe that health and wellness is not a destination but a continuous journey. And we want to be part of that journey in people’s lives by being a trusted partner that they can always rely on for all their health and wellness needs,” said Robinsons Supermarket General Manager Jody Gadia.

Being healthy and fit is the "in" thing nowadays,  and the wellness journey is made more fun with the 8th Wellness Fit & Fun Buddy Run set on July 8 at the BGC where 4,500 runners are expected to join in the 5km an 10km categories.


The wellness journey is made more fun with the 8th Wellness Fit & Fun Buddy Run set on July 8 at Bonifacio Global City where 4,500 runners are expected to join in the 5km and 10km categories. This is the only buddy run in the country that seeks to encourage participants to get their partners, friends or relatives into an active lifestyle.

For Robinsons Supermarket, wellness is not only about advocating fresh and nutritious food, but also of encouraging its patrons to adopt a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and taking care of one’s personal being.

One’s wellness journey will truly be rewarding especially this July with the supermarket’s Wellness Festival where exciting activities and freebies will be offered throughout the month. For instance, given a minimum purchase of Php3,000 with Php500 worth of purchase of participating wellness products, customers can enjoy free nutritious items like Healthy You Mixed Nuts. This is just some of the activities or offers in-store for Robinsons Supermarket customers nationwide.

The Wellness Festival is a reminder that choosing the healthy lifestyle starts with you taking the first step. Join the celebration and learn how healthier days can start at Robinsons Supermarket.

Let Robinsons Supermarket be your guide in this journey to wellness and be part of the #ILoveWellness campaign. Like it on Facebook www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visit its official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph to learn more about the “I Love Wellness” campaign and for latest updates.

Glad Cling Wrap seals in the moisture, freshness and nutritional value of food

Food for Thought:
Fresh Meals Keep Mind and Body Healthy

“Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.”
-- Hippocrates, philosopher

GLAD, the Filipino mom’s partner in food protection and kitchen management, reminds everyone that the healthy-living movement is here to stay.

There’s nothing like a visit to The Farm of Galilee in Silang, Cavite and organic farming advocate Gejo Jimenez’ Malipayon Farm, to see first hand how the earth brings nourishment to the food we eat. “Here in our farm, we do things in harmony with nature,” says Jimenez.

Guests experienced the joys of reconnecting with the wonders of vegetation while harvesting their own produce. The tour was made even more special with a feast prepared by chef and food stylist, Eugene Raymundo.

Using the available produce in the farms, such as the red and green curly lettuce, arugula, wansuy, and edible flowers for the dishes, Chef Eugene stresses on the value of fresh ingredients in healthy cooking and the importance of proper food protection.

Chef Eugene Raymundo

The Best Ever GLAD ClingWrap can seal in the moisture of the produce by up to 99%, the freshness is kept longer, and the nutritional value of the food is preserved.

Chef Eugene proceeds with his preparations, using the new Glad Mini ClingWrap. “After slicing what you need, just wrap the vegetable or fruit to keep the freshness, and store in the refrigerator for the next use,” he says.

 “It’s just the right size, so it’s easy to manage,” he says, of his new favourite kitchen companion. This latest addition to the ClingWrap family is a smart way to wrap small portions..

The farm-to-table experience brought valuable insights on farming, freshness, and great food, and made guests savour the combination of Chef Eugene’s line-up of mouth-watering and refreshing recipes.

Good food heals and nourishes the mind and body, and should be enjoyed in its fresh state as much as possible. Make it a habit to keep Glad Mini ClingWrap ready in the kitchen, and know that enjoying a happy healthy lifestyle extends to proper everyday kitchen management. See the easy-to-prepare mouth-watering recipes from Glad and Chef Eugene below. For more recipes and tips on food protection, visit Glad’s website, www.glad.com.ph and Facebook page. www.facebook.com/GladKitchen.


Orzo & Tuyo Salad in Tuba Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp capers, chopped
1 tbsp minced onions
3 pcs black olive, finely chopped
3 pcs green olive, finely chopped
3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
3 cup Tuba or Coco vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
                           salt and pepper
400 gms orzo, cooked according to package directions
1/2 cup tuyo flakes
1 pc kesong puti, diced
½ cup dried mangoes, cut into slivers
40 gms wild arugula
20 gms micro greens (red amaranth)
20 gms edible flowers

Procedure:
In a bowl, blend garlic, capers, olives, vinegars, oil and season with salt and pepper. Pour over cooked orzo and half of the tuyo flakes, kesong puti and dried mangoes, toss until well blended. Cover bowl with Glad ClingWrap and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. Place in a serving dish and top with the remaining fresh ingredients. (Serves 6.)
Grilled Coco-Wansuy Prawns and Pineapple

Ingredients:
1 ½ tbsp grated garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
3 tbsp finely chopped wansuy
1 pc chili, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp calamansi juice
2 tbsp bagoong
pinch  cumin
½ tsp paprika
1/3 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp desiccated coconut
500 gms tiger prawns, shelled, deveined with tails intact
fresh pineapple, sliced
 
Procedure:
Place all ingredients except for the prawns and pineapple in a Glad Freezer Zipper Bag. Seal and mash all ingredients together until well blended. Mix in prawns and mix lightly to distribute marinade evenly. Lay pineapple on one side and seal. Chill for at least 30 minutes (pineapple-side down). Grill prawns and pineapple until done. (Serves 6.)

Croissant Pudding with Chocnut Cream with Tsokolate Caviar

Ingredients:
6 pcs croissant, cut into pieces
1 ½ cups Fresh milk
1 cup cream
10 eggyolks
1/2 cup coco sugar
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
8 pcs chocnut, crumbled
2 pcs tablea chocolate
¼ cup milk
1 ¾ cup water
1/3 cup raw tapioca
fresh fruits

Procedure:
Pre-heat oven to 325F.
Line a loaf pan with Glad Cook ‘n’ Bake.
In a bowl, blend milk, cream, yolks and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Dip pieces of croissant in the milk mixture and place in the loaf pan. Lightly pack and pour remaining milk mixture on top. Bake for 45 minutes. Let it cool before slicing.
In another bowl, whip the cream until stiff and blend in crumbled chocnut. Chill until ready to serve. Bring water and tablea to a boil until totally dissolved, blend in milk and let it cool. Boil 4 cups of water and add in tapioca. Cook for 12 minutes. Drain and lightly wash with running water. Soak in Tsokolate and chill overnight. (Serves 10.)

 

 

Mr. Gejo Jimenez, owner of The Malipayon Farms together with top executives of GLAD (from left:) Renelle delos Santos, product manager; Tisha De Veyra, marketing director, and Marites Dagdag, president.



Chef Eugene Raymundo creates a special menu of fresh and easy-to-prepare dishes with GLAD products