Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Manila Ocean Park's Biggest Car Event: Rev, Drift & Drive

Three days, one mission. Manila Ocean Park dares you to prove the true intention of your heart and the strength of your mind as they put you in a 3 day straight challenge for an opportunity to win a brand new 'NISSAN SENTRA 1.3 STD!
           - that is, if you rise from the rest as The Last Man Standing.

Manila Ocean Park, the newest favorite destination spot in town, opens its doors to car owners, enthusiasts and hobbyists on April 29, 30 and May 1 as they start up your engines this summer with their biggest car event: REV, DRIFT & DRIVE.  


They say you must work up through the low ones before you can reach high gear in your car, but with the Drive on Stick Exhibition on the front row of MOP's activity list, it sure will set the pace for the first day. So fasten your seat belts and prepare to be swept away as the temperature rises in preparation for the car show and collection display which will showcase a wide array collection of classic cars to the most modern designs. 


And in the spirit of generosity, Manila Ocean Park in cooperation with Nissan Motor Phils., Inc., will give a brand new Nissan Sentra 1.3 GX STD to the winner who will withstand the challenge of The Last Man Standing.


Manila Ocean Park's biggest car event in cooperation with Nissan Motor Phils., Inc.,
With the use of your thumb you will be in one with your dream car for 3 days straight. Can you be the last man standing?


On its second run, April 30, the Quirino Grandstand, located in Luneta, will transform into a place you've never imagined possible as MOP hosts the lateral drifting activity and creates a drive-in movie house where all 4 films of the acclaimed movie series: The Fast & The Furious will be shown. There will be a fee, however, to cover for your snacks and drinks which will be served by none other than the sizzling Repsol Babes. But what's a car event without those sexy car-wash girls? Don't fret because a bikini fashion will be held on the same day that will sure set the stage of Quirino Grandstand on fire!


In addition, Manila Ocean Park is proud to feature the bumper to bumper exhibit where surprise celebrity guests will reveal them selves gradually to the make show roaring with excitement!


And on its last stretch, May 1, MOP gives back to their loyal customers with their free motor oil and free wash weekend which will be available at the north/south park. But the highlight of the event, for me, would be the announcement of the survivor of The Last Man Standing which will be celebrated in Liquid bar as a victory party.


Now summer has never been this fun....and hot! And if you feel you have what it takes to be The Last Man Standing, please click this link: http://www.manilaoceanpark.com/ and download the form to be qualified.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Online Contest: I won a hotrod iron hair straightening from Groupon!

Winning is good. Its fun, and it can actually make you feel that, for a short while, everything in this world is possible. A bad day could be totally reversed by something as positive as a win.
Joining an online contest, for some people, might sound fishy. I'm betting that at some point of our lives, our computer got infected with an internet virus which probably is the main cause why, nowadays, we are extra cautious on what website to visit and what online contest to join.

Groupon Philippines Facebook link
When I first heard about Groupon, I already decided for myself that it was just one of those websites which is nothing but a big scam. I've never heard of something as crazy as a website giving major discounts on a variety of products. And so I made a mental note not to believe in any ads related to them or to any website with the same trick. But, as if to prove me wrong, one day my sister suddenly came up to me and announce that there is an online contest which gives out a hair iron rod for free. At first I was skeptical about it. But then it was my sister who invited me, and I know for a fact that she has been joining a lot of online contest, and if there is someone who's knowledgeable and cautious about these things, it would definitely be her.


So I followed her instructions on liking Groupon in Facebook and uploading a picture in their page where my hair looks frizzy. After I officially posted my entry, I set up my mind not to expect anything. After all, I just joined something that I never knew exist, let alone see it in the TV.

Momo's frizzy winning hair pic...☺

A few days passed and one early morning, my sister's friend called and confirmed that all three of us won the iron rod item! I pretended not to care so much 'coz I was still resisting if the contest is indeed true. But then I received an email from Groupon congratulating me for winning their contest and gave me instructions on how to claim my prize and a online certificate which I need to print and present to Straight and Smooth Salon in Makati.

And so the three of us, my sister, our friend and I, set a date to claim our iron rod. However, much to our surprise, it was quite difficult to locate Straight and Smooth than we had expected. Frankly, we are not too familiar with the streets of Makati. But we knew there must be some kind of a jeep or bus that will bring us to our destination. And so we wandered for a few minutes and finally decided to ask for directions.

We wanted to get a cab but it was a rush hour and every taxi that passed us by had a passenger in it. In the end, we walked what felt like miles away to reach Smooth Hair Salon. We were SO late from the expected time for winners to claim their prizes. In fact, Straight and Smooth Salon was minutes away from closing. But we still managed to get our freaking iron rod and had our pictures taken with the staff and the salon (A MUST BTW).

The nicest, pretty ladies of Straight & Smooth
Straight & Smooth Facebook link

Services offered
We may have won a free iron rod but, in a way, we somehow paid for it by walking which felt like really forever. The only relief we got was the hospitality the staff of Straight and Smooth Salon showed us. Despite our weary bodies and aching feet, they still made us feel like real winners.

(L-R) Ia, Momo & Jen
So if any of my friends ask if Groupon's online contest are indeed true, oh you damn bet it is!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Fast Five Trailer

Buckle up your seat belts holics because the stars of the hit movie series, Fast and the Furious, reunite once again this summer as they race their way to freedom in the upcoming 5th installment: "Fast Five". 
The explosive duo Brian O'Conner and Dominic Toretto found themselves again in yet another car-chasing-death-defying-situation as they try to escape the shackles of federal agent Luke Hobbes while chasing the mysterious guy who wants to put the whole gang in their death bed.

Fast Five will remain true to its predecessor films with its acclaimed high-speed, modified cars and pulse-racing action scenes you've never seen before.
Watch the trailer and enjoy the ride!



Youtube link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDl4zqHIB0k

Btw...
For Bloggers who want to be part of the Movie screening of Fast Five which will be held at the Gateway Mall Cubao, Cinema 4 on the fourth of May, please click the link below: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_168169913202123&ref=notif&notif_t=group_activity and provide your blog url and other info needed.

See you there...xoxo



Tuesday, March 22, 2011

BLOGGERsFEST 2011


Prepare your sunglasses Bloggers because the sun will rise hot and bright for the BloggersFest 2011 on April 16 at the Thunderbird Resort Event Center in Rizal Binangonan.

The purpose of this event is to educate those who share the love for blogging about the do's and don'ts of the business and share what networking is all about among Filipino Bloggers and companies.


BloggerFest is aiming for 200 Blogger attendees so be sure to register and be part of the growing community which will change how people use the internet.  Btw,  your entrance and transportation and food are all covered by this event. What's left for you to do is to click this link: http://manilabloggers.blogspot.com/2011/03/bloggers-fest-2011-april-16-2011.html and REGISTER!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Shui (shway) Hilot Spa

To those who want to lose weight and stay healthy, I suggest you sign up for a yoga class at Shui, pronounced as "shway", Hilot Spa. At first I thought anyone could do it but performing  all of those body bending stretches and balancing, I realized that its not as easy as I see it in TV.   
Halfway of the 1 hour yoga class, I was literally dripping with my own sweat. Its really surprising how much I perspired without getting out from my improvised yoga mat. At the end of the class, I just felt really light and contented. I knew yoga is the workout for me.
I've never worked out before. In fact, I try to avoid going to a fitness gym with friends as much as I could. Since my body structure is naturally slender, I thought it was just a waste of time. The only regular exercise I have is when I play with my consoles and when I clean the house. Although I knew being thin is not synonymous to being healthy, I just had no intention of giving an effort to stretch the lazy muscles of my body.
When I see people in TV doing all of those impossible sit ups and crazy exercises, my willpower hits rock bottom. But my first yoga class yesterday defied all of those negative misconceptions - it gave me a new hope and perspective. The stretches were so addicting I can't help but do each and everyone of it. In fact, even as a novice, I challenged myself to do those stretches with a different set of difficulty. Combined with the most relaxing background nature music and a homely ambience which compliments the tatami-like room, you sure would find yourself in unity with your core, heart and soul.

Yoga indeed is a really enriching experience not only for your physical body but to that which that cannot be seen by the naked eye. It practice your mind to focus at one thing which strengthens your intention. Yoga proves to be an exercise which is both healthy and graceful, though it didn't spare me from the awkwardness every newbie experiences in their first class. The first 15 minutes were a struggle. I quickly forget the steps I need to follow and completely lost all my balance. But after doing the same thing repeatedly, you'll find yourself like a bamboo swaying with the wind. Still, I think I looked more of a cement post than bamboo (lol).
Everyone looked determined and focus with each movement of their muscles. The intention was so contagious I felt in sync with all of them.
Our Yoga guru is just awesome. She makes it look so easy to bend and stretch your body. Her flexibility was both inspiring and cool. If I didn't know her profession, I would have thought she's a contortionist. 
I'm really looking forward to my next yoga class. Hopefully on my second visit, I would be more graceful and flexible. I took my yoga class at Shui Hilot Spa located at G/F Tropical Palms Bldg.,Perea St.,Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village,Makati.
Happy Yoga! 
xoxo

"Place your hands into your hearts"
Namaste...^^"
Toinette Villajin (Our yoga guru that morning)




>>>>>Its the Yoga Glow<<<<<
Got a yoga mat? You can rent from them or purchase your very own














Shui Hilot (Facebook link)

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Orijen: Pet food of the year for 2009-2010

 

"THE BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE CONCEPT IS SIMPLE: MIRROR THE BALANCE AND VARIETY OF FOODS THAT DOGS AND CATS WOULD NATURALLY FIND HUNTING IN THE WILD AND FOR WHICH THEY ARE EVOLVED TO EAT"


Have you ever heard of  premium cat food? If you recently adopted a kitten like I did, then most likely you're not yet familiar with this breakthrough. I first read about premium cat food in a forum of pet owners. They provided positive feedbacks about the product and began promoting it to those who want to go natural.

I have a 6 month old kitten, luna, and I've dedicated myself since day one to provide her with only the healthiest food in the market. But much to my surprise, I learned that grocery cat foods do not meet the nutritional value Luna needed. I was suddenly alarmed with this information and so I began doing a search of my own.  What exactly is a premium cat food? and How is it different from those of grocery-brands?

I googled for some basic info of premium cat food and came across with an article in pdf format by PETCO (http://www.petco.com/caresheets/cat/Cat_PremiumFood.pdf). I think their presentation is simple and concise for owners to have a clear understanding of what separates a premium cat food from those we commonly see in the market.


What is Premium?
Premium cat food is generally more densely packed with nutrients and calories than economy brands. Better ingredients means better digestibility and contributes more to the health of your cat. Your cat will eat as much or as little as he/she needs to get sufficient nutrients. Smaller servings will be easier to digest and they will less likely put on extra weight.
Premium brands are also more consistent between bags.Your cat’s nutritional needs are based on age, activity level, temperament, environment and physical makeup. Premium cat foods typically have higher quality protein sources, no artificial dyes, and added antioxidants and vitamins.

Cats are naturally born carnivores. Hence, they thrive in meat which is rich in proteins. Feline creatures need this amino acid immensely in their diet. But with Grocery-brand cat foods, a lot of fillers such as corn, wheat, and rice are added in the formulation. These things contain a high amount of carbohydrates and although essential, cats need little amount of it.

Moreover, because these fillers contain less nutritional value, our cats tend to eat much more than they would if given higher quality foods. This may lead to obesity if left unattended. But more importantly, continuous feeding of low quality foods over a period of years could lead to aggravating conditions that may need extensive veterinary care.

Other reasons I googled  why pet owners feed their cats with premium brand foods:

  • Premium brands have a lot more nutrients that a cat needs.
  • The nutrients found in premium brand foods helps a cat's coat, teeth and health.
  • Not as many servings are needed with premium brand cat foods.
  • Many different premium brand cat foods are out there to make sure a cat eats just the right food.
  • The first and main ingredient is meat based with premium brand cat foods.
  • Even though the cost is more, a cat owner might spend less money a month because a cat will not eat as   much because it will get full and satisfied.
  • Packaging is basic but ensures freshness with premium brand cat
Cats constantly need a diet rich in protein. Protein, an amino-acid, is necessary for all aspects of growth and development, structural makeup and the immune system of a cat. Lack of protein in our cats diet can bring about serious health issues.

I recently just switched Luna to Orijen (premium cat food). Orijen won pet food of the year for 2009-2010, and was hailed Canada's award winning pet food maker. Due to its unavailability in grocery stores, however,  I had to get it in a shop located in Cartimar which sells dog and cat foods imported from international countries.


There's a lot of negative feedback about premium cat foods being more pricey compared to friskies and Whiskas - popular cat food among people. But in my opinion, if you would look closely on the ingredients and nutritional section of Orijen, you'll see that it's densely pack with nutrients and vitamins and contains no grains or fillers  at all. In addition, the carbohydrate content was reduced to the lowest level possible.





For a more detailed information of Orijen: cat and kitten and its kibble formulation, visit their website: http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/products/catkitten.aspx


From my own experience, after I switched Luna to this product, I saw improvements on her health just after a week. She used to have indigestion issues with friskies dry and wet food, and so I had to shift her to another brand -Whiskas - hoping that it would correct her symptoms. For a few days she was able to eat normally. But one night,  she just vomited all of her stomach contents ( you would curse the smell of an undigested food) and  lost her appetite next day after.

I'm just so grateful that Luna loves water bcoz that kept her from being dehydrated after her worst throw up. I gradually introduced Orijen kibbles to her. At first, she was reluctant to eat anything and insisted on drinking water. But Orijen just gives off an enticing smell that Luna eventually started nibbling it. I supplemented her diet with LC-vitamin 1 ml per day and after a day or two, she's eating enthusiastically again.

She gained weight after 2 weeks and her coat became undeniably smoother.  Shortly, I  noticed that I'm feeding her less often than before. But I guess the highlight for me with this product is the apparent improvement on her activity level and the difference it made on her stool and urine. Her poop became more solid and less foul in odor, and she also started drinking more water. She urinates several times a day which I believe is  really good in preventing urinary tract infections in cats. Btw, I bought it for 690 pesos and I'm just completely satisfied with the improvements I'm seeing. Every peso I spent was so worth it.

Presently, Orijen and other premium cat foods out there are not widely known to the awareness of the public here in our country. Only through forums of websites dedicated for animals health and well-being can you read about these things. Hence,  I committed myself to start advocating premium cat foods to those who are considering of adding a feline companion to their family. Our cats deserve to live a long life as much as we are. Lets make their lives as healthy and worthwhile.

Please do not settle for less just to save your wallet a few bucks. Adding a cat to your family is indeed a great responsibility. But once you get the hang of it, the rewards will exceed your earthly expectations. The fulfillment and love we gain as pet owners can never be replaced by any kind of monetary compensation. So spread the word and be informed. xoxo



Saturday, November 20, 2010

RAVE: FHM Bikini Pool Party

I got invited at Manila Ocean Park for RAVE: FHM bikini pool party on the 23rd of October.  I was really excited about it for two reasons:  I got the ticket for free and because I’ve never seen an FHM event before. Though I’m not a fan of the magazine, I had a clear idea about what the highlight of RAVE is – women flaunting their unbelievable bodies on their most attractive bikinis which would certainly leave the male audience drooling and frenzy on their seats.

I’ve read some issues of the magazine in the past (Special thanks to my brother who is an avid fan!). And I remember laughing hard while reading the article which features real stories of people who had nasty experiences with their sex life.  Personally, I think it’s really a must read for those who want to get rid of the stress piling up (Works for me when I’m fed up with medical books!).

Anyway, when I saw the actual ticket, there are other artists listed in the line-up who would be performing on that night to add more spice to the event: EB Babes, (group that replaced sex-bomb dancers from Eat Bulaga) Kitty Girls, Mossimo Band, Wendy Valdez (Season 2 PBB housemate) and Tanya Markova.



Honestly, the only artists I knew were Wendy Valdes and EB Babes. The rest are unfamiliar to me.