Weekends are precious for our family that's why we make the most out of those two days doing two things:  relax and look for recreational activities.  Recently, we decided to indulge in an opportunity to experience The Garage VR Zone and Food Park plus some Dreamplay time at City of Dreams Manila (will write a separate blog post about this fun experience too!)
It was our first time at The Garage and we were greeted with families enjoying their meals or at least going around the huge food park and kids excitedly playing at the VR Zone. The Garage has a wide range of casual dining choices of food and beverages for the whole family presented in nice-looking trucks and trailers. 
Set in a 2,714-square meter cool and comfortable space located at the upper ground floor, The Garage stands out with its modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity. Designed by award-winning Paris-based creative design agency, Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design, a group known for its strong sensitivity to contemporary design aesthetics, The Garage is further given life and vibrancy with graffiti works of two prominent names in the street art scene: Kookoo Ramos and DeeJae Paste. 
For me, it's a must-experience latest entertainment and dining attraction. The Garage is offering a selection of more than 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers: Chip Shoppe, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster and Juiced. I also love that The Garage is also enhanced with the sustainability drive of City of Dreams Manila, where they used only eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable plates, utensils and take-out bags.

Let me share with you what we had during our family's visit:
We were served food from the Chip Shoppe and we enjoyed the COD Save the Queen (battered COD fish), Calamari, Coco Prawn Fritters, Corn Dog, Spam Fritters and Fries.  For dessert, we tried their Banana Fritters with chocolate ice cream on top.

Calamari, COD Save The Queen, Coco Prawn Fritters, Smap Fritters, Corn Dog, and Fries from Chip Shoppe

Pizza Grigliata Manila

Four Cheese Pizza

Pizza No. Two surprised us with a little kick of spiciness and tanginess with every bite.

Lots of cheese, basil leaves and alfalfa sprouts - THIS is my kind of pizza!

Real deal Carbonara and Tomat0-based

Jasmine Iced Tea

A cup of my favorite Cafe Mocha or was this Capuccino?

The Chip Shoppe

Beverage Bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

The Roaster's giant roasting machine which they actually use but is in a glass case making it look like an exhibit or an artifact.  This is so cool!

The Roaster is the go-to outlet for an array of gourmet coffee creations made from freshly roasted Philippine beans. In keeping with the resort’s sustainability campaign, the beans are sourced from coffee growers and farmers in various communities supported by the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc.

Chocol8 is an award-winning chocolate shop which can be found in The Garage at City Of Dreams Manila

Chocol8 features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms, and are enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.

These chocolates were featured in a number of TV shows, I bet their chocolates are one of the bests in the country!

Farmacy Food Truck

Care for some Soccer game?

The VR zone is not for the faint heart and super full stomach.  It's recommended that you play either before eating or an hour or so after because if it's your first time, chances are you may get nauseated.  How do I know?  I can message it to you privately!  Hahaha!  It was an awesome experience overall especially for first-timers like my husband and me.

After having an awesome experience hanging out at The Garage VR Zone and Food Park, here are some of the reasons why we recommend this to families looking for a new place to comfortably hangout:
1.  It's spacious.  Spend time with the family at ease.  Having a spacious area means kids could run around, you don't worry much that you're disturbing another family, hahaha!  Honestly, this happens to every family with little kids in tow.  I love the high ceiling, and really the big space of The Garage.
2.  It has a wide selection of food choices.  There's literally something for everybody!  If you want finger foods that are easy to eat yet filling and satisfying there's The Chip Shoppe or Pink Hotdogs.  For Japanese or Mexican dish lovers like me, you'll be happy to try Katsu Sora, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka or El Chupacabra. Pizza and Pasta Day?  Then Pizza Grigliata Manila is the right truck destination.
3.  It's well-ventilated.  Space is big yet very cool.. I love the air-conditioning system because it adds up to the total happy customer experience for the whole family.  Indeed, anyone's stay or hangout experience is a comfortable one.
4.  It's clean.  Who wants to dine in with the family in an unkempt place right?  They've got you covered, from the dining areas to each of the food stalls, and especially their comfort rooms, totally clean.
5.  It's child-friendly.  I say this because the couches are perfect for sitting small children safely and comfortably.  Having a spacious area to hangout also is a plus point for being a child-friendly venue.  The selection of food even for our little picky eaters is friendly, so you're assured your little man or little girl will also be filled with food he/she will enjoy.
6.  It's pro-environment.  They use both reusable and biodegradable materials for serving food, from bowls, plates, wooden utensils, they are all impressively sustainable, making love for our planet and the future generation felt as well!  Good job City of Dreams! :)
7.  It's casual.  Lastly, no need to dress to impress!  This casual hangout place for the family makes the experience a lot more carefree, not restricting, and comfortable while making great family memories last a lifetime.  No social pressure, no venue pressure, just come as you are and be REALLY HAPPY with the family!  I love this about The Garage VR Zone/Food Park!

WHAT TO TRY NEXT:
What we want to try the next time we come here are the following:
1. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s well-loved ramen.
2. Katsu Sora's tonkatsu with rice and other side dishes.
3. Pink Hotdogs' intriguing "The Hollywood Legend" hotdogs and their burgers too.
4. Little Flour Café by the highly successful Wildflour Café + Bakery's rice bowls, delicacies, and grilled items.
5.  El Chupacabra's delectable array of Mexican-influenced dishes such as street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken sticks.
6.  Farmacy Ice Cream - all flavors! :)

Operating Hours:
On Sundays to Thursdays, the VR Zone is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., food outlets at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and on Fridays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., the food outlets at 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Rates:
Single VR activity ticket is at Php 380; while packages are available for those playing in pairs or groups: Php 700 for two persons playing Ski Rodeo or Galaga Fever; and Php 1,300 for a group of four playing Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Hospital Escape Terror or Winged Bicycle. For those who want to avail of three or five activities, the ticket prices are Php 1, 300 and Php 1, 650 respectively.

For more information, call (+63 2) 800-8080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Recently, I attended one of the most joyous, most festive, and grandest events when I went to the #BestEverLife salu-salo at Plaza Ibarra with some of your favorite mom bloggers too.  With the launch of its new and best-ever formulation, Joy, the leading dishwashing liquid in the Philippines, doubled its famous old record of number of plates washed with a single bottle. From 8,000 plates 20 years ago, 17,500 plates were cleaned with just one single 495 ml bottle of the new Best Ever Joy - covering the entire length of the San Juanico bridge and back.

2007 JOY TV Commercial with Michael V.  Also my first-ever ad done!

Then in 2013, I was again cast to be one of the three lead mom roles of Joy's Barangay TVC (na I don't have a copy of huhuhu!)  Hello friends from JOY, maybe you have, please send me a copy of this TVC loves! :)
The event was hosted by Jolina Magdangal-Escueta. We were filled with scrumptious Filipino dishes and delicacies and festive song and dance performances.  During the program, a short discussion with celebrity mom Ruffa Mae Quinto and my blogger friend Momi Berlin took place where they shared their own stories of how the new best-ever Joy has helped them lead the best ever life.  Joy's superior dishwashing ability was proven through experiment videos shown during the program.
Personally, as shared on my social media channels, dishwashing is one of my favorite household chores because of the relaxing sound and feel of water.  And though I've tried other brands, I still come back to Joy because it's the most effective for me, most practical with a lot of savings because one drop of Joy on the sponge really goes a long way.  Mas nakakatipid talaga ako, plus it cuts the time of washing or even repeating the dishwashing process (just because hindi agad natatanggal ang sebo) so that means, more time for family lalo na with the kids.  That for me is how I live the best-ever life with Joy.
Another highglight of the event was when Joy commemorated SOS Children’s Village Alabang as Joy’s beneficiary in bringing the best ever life to Filipino household by supporting the children’s daily meals.  Kaya mas love ko pa lalo ang Joy!
Kayo?  How do you live your best-ever life by using Joy?  Share niyo naman sa comments momsh!

For more information about Joy, visit the Joy Philippines Facebook page.

Who among you grew up knowing Ever Malls as a family hangout or a place to go to after school?   When I was in college and studying in one of the schools in the University Belt, I frequented an Ever Mall near the campus with my classmates to eat or find something unique to buy like accessories or gift items or buy something we needed for school.  It had been always a happy hangout experience.  After all, it's known as the pioneer shopping destination and a neighborhood "second home" that offers variety of food, fashion, and fun shops for over 23 years!

Today, with the revamped Ever Malls, they bring genuine value, leveled up shopping satisfaction with ‘EVERday is a Happy Day’!  Ever Malls is transforming to become the ultimate destination for retail shopping, entertainment, and leisurely enjoyment.

Fun shopping ‘community’ within reach
With so many big malls in the metro, Ever Malls offers something that reaches out to the community.  We all know those small communities like where I live always look for fun and fuller shopping experience, happier and better customer service, and an engaging retail environment.  This is what the new Ever Malls' campaign is all about.

Chie Arao-Santos, Head of Corporate Marketing of Ever Malls, says "EVERday" aims to instill every day positivity in life as shopping should be one of life's delightful experiences.  I agree to this because not just a mom sho finds leisure in grocery shopping, I like going on window or actual shopping as my me-time, right?

“We want Ever Malls to continue to be known not only as a retail haven but also as a happy place that’s worth coming back as customers would love to be here, to discover something new and exciting any time of the day. We want them to fully enjoy whatever is it that they need to do, whether it is shopping for daily essentials, hanging out with friends for food trips, or strolling leisurely with their family for relaxation,” says Arao-Santos.

She adds: “Our malls are strategically located. For example, our Commonwealth branch is within the vicinity of subdivisions and villages thus, accessibility and convenience are a strong point and this makes it possible for Pinoys to visit Ever Malls every day.”

Their campaign was made more exciting with positive "community-feel" and happy images and colors when you experience shopping at an Ever Mall.  They even have catchy jingle and giveaway during their launch held last March 24.

Customers both old and new will also experience better shopping convenience courtesy of the newly renovated Ever Supermarket, including an assortment of casual dining foodie hubs via the new lifestyle strip Calle Bistro.

Genuine customer satisfaction

As the campaign is designed to offer shoppers real value and satisfaction-guaranteed experiences, Ever Malls also infuses entertainment and amusement elements in its retail spaces by hosting interactive social events like live band performances, food pop-ups, celebrity bazaars, and many more.  And because customers love a good deal, incentives like promos and prizes, special discounts, as well as freebies and giveaways will be regular treats for loyal mall goers.

“Everyday visit to Ever Malls is an EVERday happy shopping experience because customers will have a grand time exploring a vast array of offerings from upcoming new tenants with products ranging from branded items to affordable novelty products. Alongside a more diversified retail lineup is the enhanced in-store customer experience and engaging social activities that will delight people of all ages”, concluded Arao-Santos.

Experience the new shopping pleasures and exciting thrills that await at these Ever Malls locations: Ever Commonwealth and Ever Manila Plaza. For updates, like and visit Ever Malls FB page and use the hashtag:#EVERdayHappyDay.

I've been sharing on my blog and social media channels that my mom passed away five years ago because of cancer.  When you go through the ordeal of seeing your loved one suffer until he or she finally succumbs to the disease, you realize how precious life really is.;  You realize that material things, fame, and even success is not as important as having a gift of good health.  Still very blessed that although my mom was given just two months to live (if you still call that living) after its diagnosis, she already knew the value of life and how having a good personal relationship with God is important.  It was as if she was ready, she forgave everyone, she smiled until her last conscious days, and had let go of everything peacefully.  Dying to Big C sucks to those who are left behind, one of them is me.
That's why when I was asked by the Love Hope Faith Group to help promote their advocacy, I readily said YES! YES! YES!  I know how it feels to have a loved one lose her battle to Cancer.  My mom was 70 and she had lived her life and served the church for more than a decade already.  But what about those little children who are too young to be fighting the disease?  Too young to be fighting for their chances to live?  Too young to be suffering from the physical, emotional, and psychological pain which Cancer may bring them?

We all have a chance to HELP them and SUPPORT them with their fight against cancer through noble and respectable organizations/companies such as Love Hope Faith Group.

WHO IS LOVE HOPE FAITH?
LOVE HOPE FAITH stands for the organization's core values.  They live a life full of LOVE.  They encourage everyone to seek HOPE in everyday.  They walk in the light of FAITH.  They are a company who helps and serves cancer patients since 2003 by supporting patients win their fight against the Big C and at the same time help and encourage other people to be life savers.  Particularly their beneficiaries are CHILDREN who are cancer fighters.  Through Love Hope Faith, we could fight with these children as well!

HOW?
They are a simple company with a BIG vision that is to be able to reach 10,000 cancer patients in 2020. As of May, 2019, they already reached out to 600 cancer patients and that's indeed a milestone.  But with OUR HELP, we can reach more patients and be a lifesaver ourselves.

Their main tool is to raise funds by marketing their LifeSaver shirts and LifeSaver watches.  I've used their shirt and a few of their watches to show my support to their company.  I pray that this post will touch your hearts too and extend help to the organization and be also a lifesaver in your own way by purchasing either their shirt or watch (better if both!).  Each item only costs PHP300.00!

For every purchase of a LifeSaver item, 50% goes to the fund they give to their children beneficiaries. The shirts are quality made, it's thick and comes in different sizes. It has 2 simple minimalist designs which I like a lot.
The Lifesaver watches are also a great deal for its price because it's Japan movement, scratch free, water resistant, hypo-allergenic silicone strap, and it's fashionable too.
 It's available in these colors: black, white, beige, grey, pink, green, red, and navy blue.
Greater for personal use or as a gift. This is a perfect choice for purchasing a meaningful item because you know it's for a cause. There can be no other fulfilling purchase than one which you know would go to a deserving beneficiary.

I love that their tools are COMFORTABLE, FASHIONABLE, and comes with a GREAT CAUSE.

Let's help them by purchasing their Lifesaver Shirts and Lifesaver Watches.

SHOP through their FACEBOOK PAGE/SHOP or through their WEBSITE. 

If you are a mother, if you love children, if you have a loved one who passed away because of cancer or if you have friends who may be suffering from this disease, you may show support by helping organizations raise funds to help children with cancer have a fighting chance.

Let's share the same LOVE, HOPE, and FAITH with each other!  Have a great week ahead!

As mothers, we always feel that 24 hours a day still isn't enough to do all the things we want to do in a day.  Fact is, we never really run out of things to do.  We always tend to multi-task, to take care of the household, to work, to prepare kids for school, do our wife duties, manage helpers, clean the house, cook, do budgeting, and pay bills.

For example lining up in banks or other government establishments just to pay bills or contributions could eat up so much time already.  Plus take up our other resources like energy, effort, money (transportation and even food), and also patience.  We always wish we could spend the time with other important things like play with our kids or cook for the family!

So self-service management apps that make moms' lives easier and more convenient is always welcomed as good news!  One app which makes this possible is MONEYGEMENT APP.  I learned about this during an event I attended earlier this month.

Feliz Lucas is its mombassador and helped gather moms like me who would need this too.  She uses it, she loves its convenience, and she highly recommends the app to all of us at the venue.

Feliz Lucas talking about the convenience of the app and how it made her busy life so much easier.

I was with other moms during the event where we were pampered by the way by Benefit Cosmetics, Recovery Mode MNL, took home gifts from Kurin Water and Winsome Box.  We also had a sumptuous spread of delectable food from The Coffee Project.

Icel of The Momma Writes, Gracie of Tipid Mommy, Feliz Lucas, and Fran of Franny Wanny

With awesome mom blogger friends in attendance and Moneygement App's Ma. Jessica Palmiano (CEO of Togetech Inc.)

I had a simple makeover and eyebrow tutorial by Benefit Cosmetics

Back massage done by Recovery Mode MNL

Winsome Box giveaway, a well-curated box of useful and practical gifts for us moms and boss mamas!

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Kurin Water demonstrated how powerful its natural All-Purpose Cleaner is.  These are my jewels which were finally sparkling after a few minutes of submerging in Kurin Water.

WHAT IS THE MONEYGMENT APP FOR?
Moneygment is a mobile-based payments solution designed for self-employed individuals.  Through the app, users can compute and file taxes, pay government contributions, utility bills, loans, and insurance payments.

It is convenient and easy-to-use, and secure. It's not only for self-employed individuals but also for kasambahays, unbanked, OFWs and even corporations. It is developed by Togetech Inc.

During the event, the conversation circulated more about moms' needs, their daily struggles at home, paying bills, and taking responsibility for paying their kasambahay's SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig as mandated in the "Kasambahay Law."

Moneygment enables household employers take care of the helpers and also educate them to take advantage of the technology on sending money to their loved ones and paying their own contributions themselves.  This way, not only we're protecting our kasambahays, but we let them know they are valued.

AVAILABLE TRANSACTIONS IN MONEYGEMENT APP:
Before you could enjoy the app's convenience when it comes to paying bills or contributions and other transactions, you have to:

1. Download the app via Play Store or Apple Store for FREE.
2.. Register your account using a legitimate email address and by nominating a password for sign in.
3.  Check your email for verification.
* You could also sign in using your Gmail or Facebook accounts

Once you enter the App, you'll see a summary of all the transactions you could do with Moneygement.

1. Pay Pag-IBIG, Philhealth and SSS.
2. Calculate, pay and file taxes.
3.  Pay bills and other utilities. - You can pay for cable TV, Collections Servicesm Communication, Credit Cards, Government Agency, Internet, Memorial Plans, and utilities.
4.  Apply and pay for loan - coming soon.
5.  Apply and pay for insurance or investments.
6.  Top Up and Send Money - For sending money, you could have them pick them up at the following: BDO, Cebuana Lhuiller, ML Kwarta Padala, and Palawan Pawnshop.  To top up, you could either pay via bank transfer, ECPay, Dragon Pay, or 7-Eleven branches.

WHAT'S TO LIKE ABOUT MONEYGMENT APP
What I like about the app is that it's secure.  One can tell from the sign in process with its email verification and also signing in using Facebook or Google accounts which are both big platforms that has unquestionable security features.  Next, their payment channels are all proven secured as well, I've transacted safely in other platforms and online shops mostly through ECPay, Dragonpay, 7-Eleven, and of course nothing's safer than actually going to the bank.  You'll also get a summary of all your transactions such as what you see on your online banking.  You'll know if you've had irregular transactions through this feature.  Even on social media, Moneygement posts very useful and helpful informatin on let's say SSS contribution deadlines, managing money, investing, and many more value-adding posts!  Though some transactions aren't available yet, and other merchants or companies you need to pay bills, the existing transactions already spell convenience, especially to busy moms who have little time in a day to do household chores, care for kids, work from home, be a wife, and also do self-care.  It also allows any household employer abide the Kasambahay Law and let their helpers know they are valued.

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants hassle-free bills payment, sending of money, calculating and paying of taxes for self-employed or those with small businesses (because it's more practical than hiring someone to do it for you), and just simply have not enough time to go out brave the traffic, and wait in line, then this app is also for you.

Download MONEYGMENT APP for free on Play Store or Apple Store today.  For updates and lots of informative content, you may follow them on Facbeook or Instagram.