Cory Quirino's World of Wellness Health Care Products

What better way is there to try a product before deciding to buy it?  Of course, we need a proof , a testimonial that tells how effective that product is, right?  But you'll be more convince if the owner of the line of products uses it, too!

Well, that is how Ms. Cory Quirino and Ms. Mae Velilla, partners in health, beauty, and wellness do it.  They promote the products but they use it too at the same time.

Last March 28, lifestyle bloggers (including me) explored the "World of Wellness".  We were introduced to over 100 products and the once encircled below are some of the few that Ms. Cory Quirino uses in her day to day life.

World of Wellness is carrying over 200 product lines from the Philippines, Europe, the US, Korea and China, the store will display specialized sections such as Beyond Beauty (Face and   Body), Forever Young, Weight Management, Detox & Cleansing, Health Boosters, Beauty Soaps, Coco Corner, Natural Remedies and Health Heart Snacks. Of particular interest are Healthy Mom & Baby, Male-Power-for-Men Only Male Vitality and Forever Young-Cory’s natural anti aging “secrets-in a bottle.”


Here's a closer look to the products she loves:

Maqui berry is known to have the highest level of antioxidant in the world. 

Morin is made from Malunngay fruit not the leaves. 

From Ms. Cory Quirino's presentation, I most like the part where she said, "It does not mean that if a product is effective on me, it has a good effect on you, too.  We all have different reactions to many products."  So we really have to try products to see what's good for us.




*WOW World of Wellness Direct Sales is the very first Total Wellness direct sales company in the Philippines.   WOW envisions to provide a venue for Philippine-made products raising the Filipino flag locally, and eventually globally championing all Filipino health, beauty and wellness products.

NOVUHAIR: Let Natural Products Do the Makeover

When my dad has first seen it on TV, he really wants to try NOVUHAIR.  He has been using it for a month's time now and we'll see the results in the next few months because just by now we have seen that his hair and scalp has some good reaction to the product.

I wish I could post a picture of my dad.  A before and after seen but I will ask a permission from him first, okay, guys?

So I was really happy when I was invited to NOVUHAIR's presentation to bloggers last March 28.  I had a better understanding of the product thanks to NOVUHAIR's expert doctor.

NOVUHAIR Scalp and Hair Analysis Machine

These are the components of NOVUHAIR:
Centella asiatica, Moringa oleifera, Zingiber officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Panax ginseng, Biotin, Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass, and VCO.

These are all natural guys so no reason for us not to try this product at least.  Now, I know why my dad is not scared of trying it.  I also have this thinning of my hair because of stress maybe, but unlike my dad, I am afraid of using products.  Shampoo and conditioner for me is fine but now that I have a better understanding of the product, I might use it as well.

Like this guy, he is a commercial model and he was not afraid to try NOVUHAIR.  He shared to us his story and look at the results.

See!  Nothing to lose in using natural products (",).

It also has essential oils and co-factor nutrient to enhance its effect in preventing hair loss. NOVUHAIR is approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) as a topical scalp lotion that helps prevent falling hair.

Escondido Beach Resort Boracay: My Newest Beach Resort Find in Bora

Hey guys, don't be confused.  I know that I am promoting a Mediterranean-inspired beach property here in my blog.  Well, that's for Northern Philippines. (",)  Okay?  I still love that Santorini-like beach resort.

But for now, I just find the perfect place to stay in the south (if I ever I will go to Bora this summer).  Last March 28, a group of lifestyle bloggers was introduced to the newest hideaway in Boracay that would surely captivate your heart, Escondido Beach Resort.

Ms. Mae - one of the owners presents Escondido

While watching Escondido's video, we were enchanted with the "theme song" of Escondido.  Upbeat and you would really feel like you're in a beach paradise.

These pictures also caught my attention.

It boasts of an ambience that is different from the usual resorts in the island. Homey feel, right?  This makes Escondido a one of a kind resort.  This place is actually Escondido's Crabhouse - the first and only crabhouse in the island.

By the way, "What does Escondido mean?"  asked one of the bloggers.  Escondido came from the Spanish word "hidden".

From the pictures of Escondido that we have seen, it really is a hidden getaway.  Its location offers the privacy and tranquility you want and the accessibility to the hottest spots in the island.

And for the antique lovers, this is the place to be.  We have notice from the video that antique furniture are prominent from antique vases, jars, tables, to cabinets.  Escondido proudly exhibits the Filipino heritage in its interior.

Escondido has 10 deluxe rooms and 2 suite rooms all equipped with air-condition, cable television, mini bar, in-room safe, electric thermos, telephone/ intercom system, and hot and cold showers. The 2 suite rooms have the additional facilities of a mini-kitchen with microwave oven, and a bathroom with Jacuzzi. 

Other activities such as island hopping tour, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, banana boat ride, motorbike, mountain bike rental, horseback riding and golf can be arranged by the front desk officers upon the request of the guests.

Can't wait to see BORA!  Can't wait to stay at ESCONDIDO!!!

Escondido Beach Resort
Zone Escondido, Station 1, Balabag, Boracay Island
Malay, Aklan, Philippines
Telephone #: +63 (922) 640-1981
Cellular Phone: +63 (922) 850-1161

Booking Office:
35 Scout Lozano St. Brgy. Laging, Handa,
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone #: +63 (2) 3764535
Telefax #: +63 (2) 4135079
Email: escondidoboracay@yahoo.com

The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2011: Finishing the "Dream Come True Line"

I had my last run last February 2010, became busy at work and never had a chance to run again...  Joining my last run was really tough.  I finished 5K in about 1-1/2 hour.  I was already limping then... How much more if I run 42 kilometers?  42 divided by 5 = 8.4 multiplied by 1-1/2?  It would take me approximately 12 hours to run? hehe.

This was me running before (not for The Bull Runner 42K Marathon, okay? hihi

But for "The Bull Runner Dream Marathoners", that was easy peasy because they have undergone 20-week step-by-step marathon training plan; once-a-month Bull Sessions (run clinics); once-a-month Bull Circle (running talks).

But wait, who are these Dream Marathoners by the way?  The Bull Runner Dream Marathon involves 400-strong accomplished individuals coming from varied professional backgrounds - all exceptional runners in their own right - set to conquer the local running scene as they evolve into gutsy, confident, yet big-hearted marathoners, and to be hailed winners as they race across the NUVALI grounds,  to the finish line, and towards fulfilling their ultimate marathon goal.

And last March 20, 2011, all the first-time and second-time marathoners dream came true.  We arrived at NUVALI at about 7:30, and wow I think almost half have of them have finished the race!  They started at 2 p.m. and most of them finished by the time of 7:30.

A week before the said dream marathon, I met Ms. Let, "The Running Mom" blogger.  She mentioned that she is gearing up for her first ever marathon, which is The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2011.

 

So during the race, I went looking for her but cannot find her.  I was thinking that maybe she had finished the run earlier.  Until we rode a yellow mobile that takes the cheerers around NUVALI to cheer for their family members or friends who are in the race.  Still can't find Ms. Let, but while browsing at Alex's photos, I saw Ms. Let!  But it was too late.  I wasn't able to cheer for her.  But yes, she finished the race and I'm really happy for her.

Photo Courtesy:  Vener F. Roldan

If I'm proud for my newly-found friend, how much more these people who are patiently waiting for their loved ones at the finisher's line?

Once their beloved ones cross the line, WOW, a warm congratulations and a warm big hug take away each and every marathoners' sweat, thirst, and pain.

For me, it's not just a "finisher's line" but it's a "dream come true" line.

*Thank you very much, Alex Dizon of Recycle Bin of a Middle Child for the coverage photos.  (I was not able to bring my camera during the event.) Again, thank you very much!

All About Scrapbooking: Making the Left Side of my Brain Works

I used to think that scrapbooking is for "loners" only, until I was invited by Jeman of Orange Magazine TV to attend Scrapbooking 101 (Scrap n' Tell) at All About Scrapbooking (Hallmark) Head Office, Pasig City.  It was my first time to see scrapbookers and non-scrapbookers gather together to make their precious memories stored forever by using scrapbooking.

Of course, I also joined this event because I am a budding scrapbooker (before, haha).  I used to put embellishments on my projects when I was in high school and college.  And just last February, I made an entry at Thunderbird Resorts contest.  The question was "What makes you extraordinary?" and I made a scrapbook-themed entry.  I think scrapbooking makes me extraordinary.  Here's the link to my video:  http://www.thunderbirdresorts.ph/videocontest/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=54&video_id=70&lang=en Hope you appreciate my little effort in this video.

Okay, back to ALL ABOUT SCRAPBOOKING and let my left brain do the talking because as medical researchers say, creativity is controlled by the left brain.

Basic Things Needed for Scrapbooking:

Photos/Pictures
Paper
Scissors
Cutter
Pencil, ballpen, gel pens,
Adhesives (glue stick, foam tape)
Ruler
Stamps
Puncher
Embellishment



Now that we have the things and tools, it's time for our imagination to work.  Think first of your theme.  Your scrapbook should include a title, photos, designs, and a short note about those pictures you have used.

Seated with my new friend, Mel. (",)

Even boys get busy with scrapbook!

FINISH PRODUCT:

The output of my left brain, haha!

I never thought scrapbooking can be fun this way!  Met a new set of friends and unleashed the creative side of me.

SCRAPAHOLIC BLOGGERS

 Since I got a set of scrapbooking materials from ALL ABOUT SCRAPBOOKING, I am going to pile up my photos and instead of scanning them and putting them on Facebook, I will start making my own scrapbook album (",).  How nice!

 Thank you very much Jeman of Orange Magazine TV 

and to ALL ABOUT SCRAPBOOKING staff!!!

ALL ABOUT SCRAPBOOKING is available at all NATIONAL BOOKSTORES nationwide.

Sucker Punch: Hits the Big Screen

March 21, 2010 - We were invited by SM Cinema to watch Sucker Punch.  I only know Sucker Punch by seeing the characters at cosplays.  I really have no idea of the if it came from a manga series, but really, a lot are waiting for this fantasy warfare movie.

I love how the five girls battle for their lives and the big lesson here is knowing how to sacrifice.  To know more of what am I talking about, watch Sucker Punch on March 25, guys!  You have the tools, NOW FIGHT!

Thank you very much SM CINEMA!!!

Justin Bieber Never Say Never Hits the Philippines

I was never really his fan but after I have seen the movie, I must say I just got this thing they call Bieber "Fever".

While watching the movie, I remember my officemate's 12-year-old kid.  She loves Justin Bieber.  At first it was only Georgie who loves Justin, then there came a time when Ate Gee (her mom) also likes Justin.  She plays "One Less Lonely Girl" on her phone.  Georgie even changed her last name on Facebook to Bieber.  WOW!

So I ask my self what is really with Justin?  Why do they adore him?  Until I watched the movie.

Now, I know the answer!  It's not just the "left to right motion of his hair", his cute smile, his hit songs... It was his spirit... his faith... and he never said never to his dreams.

Watch how he ruled Madison Square Garden, the world's grandest arena in New York City.  The stage that was thought that only Michael Jackson can fill.

To all the fans of Justin Bieber here in the Philippines, before watching his concert on May 10, see first his concert movie!

Thank you very much Solar Entertainment Corporation for our red carpet premiere tickets!

Showing March 23!!!

Rango Plus Mars Needs Moms

Rango

At first, I thought Rango was just an ordinary animated 3D movie with voices given life by the biggest Hollywood stars, but it was not.  I heard my friends saying that they wanna watch Rango because of Johnny Depp.  Of course, that was also my reason and because of the funny trailer that I have seen.   Then movie premiere came at Cinema 1, The Podium…

During the first part, I find myself laughing every 3 minutes but as the movie runs, I became more and more aware of our environment.  If you wanna find out what am I talking about, then go and see Rango, guys!

I remember my grade school teacher asking us to pick a movie and review it.  If ever I’m still in grade school at this time, this is the movie that I will surely submit.  Lessons learned?  Check!

Take out the trash, eat your broccoli—who needs moms, anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out just how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young.

Mars Needs Moms” showcases Milo’s quest to save his mom—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D that involves stowing away on a spaceship, navigating an elaborate, multi-level planet and taking on the alien nation and their leader (Mindy Sterling). With the help of a tech-savvy, underground earthman named Gribble (Dan Fogler) and a rebel Martian girl called Ki (Elisabeth Harnois), Milo just might find his way back to his mom—in more ways than one.

Angel's Pizza: Too Good Too Deny Lenten Pizza Pies

Last Wednesday, we just celebrated Ash Wednesday and we all know that this spearheads the 40 days of Lenten season.  For some Catholics it means 40 days of praying and fasting.

Fasting?  Meaning no meat?  No chicken?  Well, yes.

But good thing 'cause last February, one of my newest favorite pizza chains has already offered their Lenten Specials.

I started first with the thinnest.  Yeah, 'cause I know there are more pizzas to come.  I first tried Shrimp Pesto.  (This pizza is really for the health buffs).  Hey, health buffs out there this is the pizza for you, guys!

And oh, here's something cute.  Have you noticed my pizza holder?

Another unique thing at Angel's Pizza is their pizza dip.  Sour cream goes well with the Shrimp Pesto flavored pizza.

Next in line is one of Angel's newest baby, CALZONE!  It's like a big empanada packed with all the flavors I love.  And as part of their Lenten Specials, they came up with Tuna Pesto Calzone.  Tried dipping it in tangy tomato and it's perfect!  And it's only P55!  Very affordable.

I also like Ham, Beef & Mushroom calzone and BBQ chicken Calzone.  I was surprised when I heard that Angel's Calzones are served in selected international flights of Philippine Airlines.  It really deserves a place in PAL's menu.

And of course, the STAR of Angel's Pizzas Lenten Specials, PASTA IN A DOUGH (Tuna Pesto)!  Pasta and pizza in one.

Waaahhh!!! It is really heavy on my stomach!  You can eat it in two ways.  You can just slice and eat it just like your usual pizza.

Or you can use a fork to get the pasta first then the dough.

But I wish they can also serve a thin-crust Pasta in a Dough.  What do you think?

Look how creative Angel's Pizza is!  That's why I love Angel's Pizza.  They are chic and prizes are cheap!  They also have the following promos, guys!  Lenten Season is lonely no more .  We can still eat pizza!


PROMOS
Buy 1 Take 1 Promo
(DI - dine in; TO- take out; DE - delivery)


Makati Store
10am-1pm DI TO DE
12mid to 3am DI TO only


Kalayaan QC Store
10am to 1pm DI TO DE

Fairview Store
10am to 1pm DI TO DE

1:01 pm -11pm DI TO only and for BIG FAMILY only


Pasig Store
10am-1pm DI TO DE
10pm-12mid DI TO DE


Sucat
10am-1pm DI TO DE
9pm-11 pm DI TO DE


Recto
10am to 1pm DI TO DE


Malate
All day B1T1-DI TO DE

10 am to 11pm

RAT Race: The "REAL" Run For A Cause

Please click on photo for details

The title speaks for itself.  Last March 10, we had a meeting with Zonta Club of Ayala Makati, an organization that helps and supports children and women since 1989 through feeding programs and livelihood trainings respectively.  One of the members of Zonta has told us that they have partnered with Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., an organization that is against human trafficking.  They organized the RAT Race, RUN AGAINST Human TRAFFICKING.  They have said that 50% of the proceeds will go to Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. to help with the educational program and other needs of the children and women that Visayan Forum is helping.  They also accept in kind donations -- food, clothes, toys, books and other necessities.

WOW! A whooping 50%?  So, I registered on the 3K run and that costs P500, that means P250 will go to charity (another WOW!).  A lot of runs right now are organized to support an advocacy but this is the first time for me to know that there is a big percentage going to the charity.  Most of the runs that I have went to just gave a "part" to their chosen charities.  So guys, you can still register (walk-in) for the run until 5 a.m. of Sunday to help Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc.at McKinley Hills.  I think this is the run that we really should support.

I know this is a rush but it is for a good cause, a really good one.  Thank you, guys!

La Huerta Farms and Residences: A True Green and Healthy Community

Located in the rich province of Laguna, La Huerta Farms and Residences is a 50-hectare development that provides residents with the means to farm their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, condiments and beverages in the convenience of their own backyards. With lot sizes ranging from 750 to 3,000 square meters, it offers homeowners a wide variety of possible garden concepts.

La Huerta Farms and Residences is set to bear the fruits of healthy living in Laguna. And thanks to the innovations of Sta. Lucia Land Inc. (SLLI) and its joint venture partner, Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc. (LPPI), the harvest promises a well-rounded bounty meant to nourish the body, the mind and the spirit.



With its new development, La Huerta Farms and Residences, Sta. Lucia Land Inc. aim to prove why it is a prime mover of the Philippine real-estate market. This time it has done more than break new ground; it has mastered the land, called upon the best minds to help maximize its full potential and planted the seeds meant to blossom as a prominent leisure farming experience in the country.

 Offering diversity in terms of service and aesthetics, La Huerta ’s residents can choose to live within four different garden communities—El Sol, El Cielo, La Luna and La Lluvia. El Sol “The Sun,” is a cluster enriched with plants specifically selected for their medicinal purposes and therapeutic benefits. El Cielo “The Sky,” allow residents to live near the development’s ostrich farm while housing a wide array of organic vegetables and herb gardens. La Luna “The Moon,” allures homeowners with the soothing scent of coffee and cacao while inspiring them with the poetry of romantic landscaping decked with canopies. And La Lluvia “The Rain,” offers a colorful display of palm and flowering plants.
Helping residents through their farming experience, La Huerta is staffed with experts from the University of the Philippines Los Banos and in-house horticulturalists ready to provide regular technical assistance. It will have a clubhouse that will have a training center. The training center, in cooperation with its homeowners association, will offer regular seminars, trainings and workshops to further improve the cultivation skills of its homeowners.
La Huerta is currently preparing for the construction of its greenhouse. At around 1,500 square meters, it stands both as a symbol and an augmentation of the development’s thrust for healthy living. It offers a diverse collection of plant life to broaden the farming possibilities and provide necessary fruits and vegetables uniquely planted in convenient and affectionately named gardens. Such gardening concepts include the “Bahay Kubo” which features vegetables mentioned in the folk song of the same name. It also has a “Siningang Garden,” a “Pinakbet Garden” and a “Salad/Chopseuy Garden” which provides vegetables used in the said dishes.
“La Huerta is a unique farm residence that has a lot to offer,” said Eduardo U. Tirona, President of Sta. Lucia Land’s marketing arm, Orchard Property Marketing Corporation (OPMC.) “Usually, farm residences only cater to one kind of product and service. This project however aims to give residents the chance to pursue different kinds of farming. It basically promotes the many ways by which one can live a healthy yet leisurely life harvested from the convenience of your own backyard.”
Visit La Huerta Farms & Residences now. For more details, call (632) 470-3794.

Rubbabu: Worry-Free Toys Come to the Philippines

Some of you might wonder why I post about toys.  I may not be a mommy blogger, but if you start reading back you'll find that I am really fond of children and we have a foster kid brother.  So I have an idea on what and what's not good for kids.

If we buy toys for our kid brother, these are the things we consider:

1.  Non-toxic - Lead-containing toys were pulled out in the market as said in the news last year, but it is really hard to know what a toy is composed of.

2.  Child-safe - No parts that will chip off or break apart.

3.  Educational - Playing is fun so is learning.  Vibrant hued toys stimulate senses and basic shaped toys help kids learn about simple objects.

Now, the good news is Rubbabu has it all.  Before it was available at Rustan's, bloggers were invited to its launch.  We tried Rubbabu first before any other kid here in the Philippines, haha.  

Happy to see the child in us.

While playing with Rubbabu, we learn how to appreciate it.  It's made of 100% natural rubber (not synthetic rubber).  It is also anti-microbial, dust mite and mildew resistant, hypoallergenic and flame retardant.

The cuddly Rubbabu toys will not just develop your child's gross motor skills and hand and eye coordination, it's really a WORRY-FREE toy.

Adee, daughter of Ms. Leira.  How cute!