March is Women's Month and I felt celebrated when Google hosted a live event on YouTube called  "Digiskarteng Pinay."  It's an online event to demonstrate how women can learn new skills and create livelihood opportunities through YouTube. It highlighted the experiences of successful female YouTube content creators and the stories of inspiring ma-Digiskarteng Pinays who used YouTube to bounce back from the pandemic.

 

“At a time when women’s resources are being hit the hardest, YouTube remains to be a platform that they can use to their advantage. It allows them to upskill and seize the opportunities of the growing digital economy to augment their lives and those around them,” said Bernadette Nacario, Google Philippines’ Country Head.
 
Digiskarteng Pinay is done in partnership with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and YouTube creators who contribute videos on various topics such as Family Nutrition, Financial Literacy, Beauty and Fashion, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Coding Skills, Technical Skills, Mindset Skills, and Native Arts and Crafts.
 
“Digiskarteng Pinay empowers women to learn and develop skills in their own time and pace so they can take full control of their lives while pursuing growth and entrepreneurial opportunities,” says Google Philippines’ Industry Head Gara Santos-Ontiveros.
 
Striving forward 
 
Madiskarte women Juliette Piquero and working student Dielian Certeza turned to YouTube to start their own businesses when the pandemic hit.
 
After leaving her job as an Accountant, Juliette stayed in the province to take a break but found herself staying far longer than planned due to the lockdowns. Being naturally fond of cooking, she spent her spare time wanting to level-up her skills and learning how to bake. After picking up recipes and tips from local channels like Madiskarteng Nanay, Chef RV Manabat, and Lutong Tinapay, she turned her hobby into an online cake shop called Nenita's CAKES and Pastries.

Digiskarteng Pinay Juliette started baking as a pandemic hobby by watching YouTube tutorials and eventually turned it into a bonafide online business called Nenita's CAKES and Pastries

“YouTube makes it very easy for us to learn new things at our own pace. Because it is accessible anywhere and anytime, I had more opportunities to equip myself with the latest techniques in baking. I used it as my reference for recipes to baking trends, which now translated to sales. It definitely helped me and my family during these challenging times,” Juliette shared.Dielian

After losing her part-time job, Dielian had to immediately look for an alternative source of income to fund her and her siblings’ studies. She thought of putting up an eatery that serves unlimited chicken wings. Dielian turned to channels like The Sauce and Gravy Channel, Gneth’s Life, Kuya Fern’s Cooking, Lian Lim, Friend-Cheap Menu, Fixitsamo, Epoy’s Kitchen, Panlasang Pinoy, and Ninong Ry to diversify her knowledge on sauce recipes. Through the content she found on YouTube, she was able to put up Hot Chicks, which is now able to support their family’s daily needs.

For other Pinays who are having second thoughts about pursuing putting up a business, Deilian advises, "YouTube is like a free school. Small-scale entrepreneurs like me who have no formal background in cooking can instantly feel like a chef. Just trust the process, calm your mind and your heart, and find what you are passionate about."
 
Passion for a purpose
For multi-awarded actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, her YouTube channel started like any other—an outlet to share what she loves doing. Now with over 1.5 million subscribers, the actress shared that has seen her channel grow into being a destination for women to learn new skills and even create entrepreneurial opportunities.

 
“YouTube is a space for learning and exchanging knowledge. It’s empowering in the sense that doing what I love to do inspires my fellow Filipinas to upskill and that opens up meaningful opportunities for them,” shared Judy Ann.
 
For lifestyle-turned-business vlogger Tinmay Arcenas, the pandemic convinced her to share her knowledge on business handling during a time when people are in need of guidance in finding ways and alternatives to have continuous income. With her new content, she feels that she has found her space in the world of content creation. To date, Tinmay now has 40K+ subscribers and shares videos about their poultry farm and pungko-pungko business, along with tips on how to be more productive and earn money even in the middle of a pandemic.

If you missed the live stream, the “Digiskarteng Pinay” discussion is available on Google Philippines’ YouTube channel and Facebook page. Visit the Digiskarteng Pinay YouTube channel to watch informative videos on family nutrition, financial literacy, beauty, fashion, coding skills, and technical skills.

I'm excited to share this good news to you!  PayMaya launches PayMayaMall - a one stop shop for your mobile shopping needs all within your PayMaya app!  Now, Filipinos now have an easier way to shop for their everyday essentials and more and pay cashless for their purchases.

I attended this exciting digital launch and was thrilled to experience browsing and actually shopping on the app!  For its first phase since launch, the present merchants almost covered everything we need such as meal at Jollibee or McDonald's, groceries at Lander's, or shopping for cool new sneakers at Nike.  What made my eye lit up some more was seeing other stores such as Goldilock's, Rustan's, Park Outlet, Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, AllHome, Boozy, and many more!

And because you're transacting with PayMaya's trusted partner merchants, you can rest assured that you're only purchasing from legitimate sellers--whether it's a big lifestyle brand, a multinational merchant, or even local businesses.

“In the past year, PayMaya has enabled millions of Filipinos to utilize safe and convenient contactless payment for their everyday needs as we accelerated our push to build a 'Cashless Philippines'. With the launch of PayMaya Mall today, we’re taking this cashless convenience to the next level by bringing consumers the unique mall experience they have grown to love inside the PayMaya app. Now, on top of settling their bills or sending money to their loved ones, they can also pay for their groceries, order lunch, or shop for beauty products, all in one convenient mobile and cashless shopping experience,” said Mark Jason Dee, Head of Growth Marketing and Partnerships of PayMaya.  

Enjoy the best shopping deals at PayMaya Mall

Shopping at PayMaya Mall isn’t just convenient and safe—it’s also the most rewarding way to go cashless. Whatever item you want to purchase, you can find it at the PayMaya Mall and enjoy the best deals through PayMaya’s Balik Bayad promos and exclusive offers from partner merchants.

To kick off your rewarding PayMaya Mall experience, PayMaya is bringing in the good luck this Chinese New Year of the Ox as it offers up to P880 cashback for your purchases inside PayMaya Mall. For a minimum spend of P300 paid using your PayMaya mobile number, you can get a 20% cashback of up to P88 per transaction. You can enjoy this offer up to 10 times until March 15, 2021, or a total of P880 in Balik Bayad savings!

Availing of PayMaya's Balik Bayad offers at the PayMaya Mall is easy, all you have to do is shop at any of the brands featured at this virtual mall, choose the Pay with PayMaya option upon check out and key in your mobile number to complete your contactless payment transaction. 

On top of this Chinese New Year treat, you can also enjoy exclusive deals from your favorite brands at the PayMaya Mall. You can enjoy free delivery on your first Pick.A.Roo order (minimum of P500) just by entering the code PAYMAYAROO upon checkout; enjoy 12% off on your Rustans purchases, perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts; and even score a 5% discount on your Boozy haul for a chill Friday night at home.  

“At PayMaya Mall, we want to make sure that our users get the best cashless shopping experience, and that includes bringing them the best deals from the brands they love. With these exclusive promos and cashback offers, it’s easy to say that whatever you’re planning to buy – be it grocery items or your favorite fastfood meal – talagang mas sulit ‘yan sa PayMaya Mall!” Dee added.

 

Getting your own PayMaya account and enjoying the convenience of PayMaya Mall is very easy. Just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account using my referral code: 1gs6205 to find out what it’s like to go cashless with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding way to pay for anything online and in stores! Remember, for your everyday needs, don’t pay cash. PayMaya!  

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.   

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

With my Digital Native kids, it's really important to educate them about Internet Safety and Digital Responsibility.  One of the best ways to teach children is through art.  Whether it be visual, auditory, or theatrical, art connects well to our children, and even other adults.

That's why it was indeed a great news when I attended Google's launch of Animation and Poetry in the Philippines to teach about Digital Responsibility.  Google launches a collection of spoken word poetry and animated videos on its local YouTube channel to teach digital responsibility and help Filipinos be better netizens and stewards of the internet. The content is developed by the youth volunteers of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM), an NGO which aims to build peace online and in vulnerable communities nationwide. 

The themes of the YouTube videos are kindness; the value of strong passwords and online security; critical thinking, oversharing prevention, and courage online. Together with YouTube’s reach of over 40 million Filipinos, digital responsibility can be effectively taught to more people online using videos of creative expression. 

The spoken word poetry is written and produced by TiTik Poetry, a youth group from Cavite who strives to use words and art to make a social impact.

“Poetry is powerful and we can use it as a tool to make the internet a safer place. Each of us has a unique talent or skill and if we use it for an important cause like digital responsibility, we can make a positive impact in the community,” said Verlin Santos, founder of Titik Poetry. 

The animated videos were illustrated and animated by Christwin Felix, a volunteer, who has been teaching multimedia arts for more than 10 years. The stories were written by Grace Bufi, a housewife and a passionate storyteller. Grace, along with her husband Rey Bufi, established the Basa Bookstore and The Storytelling Project, a non-profit organization which aims to spark hope, inspiration and imagination through storytelling.

Dingdong Dantes provided a voice over in all the five animated videos playing the role of the “Badge Giver”, a character who explains the moral of the story. Meanwhile, YouTube creator Janina Vela introduces, narrates, and concludes each of the stories to highlight the lessons. 

Believing in the purpose of the campaign, Dingdong shared, “Sa panahon ngayon, napakahalaga ng responsableng paggamit ng internet. Gamit ang aming boses bilang mga miyembro ng entertainment industry, sana’y makatulong kami upang maitaas ang kaalaman ng lahat tungkol sa proper internet etiquette at online safety, lalung lalo na sa mga kabataan.”

Janina Vela underscored the important role of creators: “YouTube creators play an important role in teaching digital responsibility. We can use our voice and platform to raise awareness on how we can all be better stewards of the internet. I hope that beyond Safer Internet Day, we can always practice healthy digital habits online and offline.”

“At Google, we believe in enabling partners, communities and volunteers so we can all build a safer internet. The campaign is a shared effort of individuals from different walks of life to demonstrate that everyone can make a valuable contribution and be a better netizen. Everyone can use their passion, talents, or skills to promote digital responsibility in their own way.” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director of Google Philippines.

On Safer Internet Day of 2019, Google and TPBPM launched a campaign called Cyberpeace to teach at least 10,000 high school students about digital responsibility. Amid the pandemic, with the help of several volunteers, the campaign reached more than 416,000 netizens nationwide through digital means such as social media and webinars.  

Check out the spoken word poetry and animated videos on Google Philippines YouTube Channel. You can also join the conversation online using the hashtag #SaferInternet4Filipinos. 

2020 is just around the corner, and yet we are still in quarantine plus a lot of unfortunate events happened all throughout the year.  Covid-19 hit us hard, typhoons Rolly and Ulysses devastated a number of cities and contributed to a number of homeless and hungry kababayans, a huge fire in our neighborhood displaced some 500 families, and a good friend passed away recently.

I could go on but still I am grateful for the gift of family and true friends, for God's provisions, for good health, for roof over our heads, for a stable job for my husband, projects here and there, and capability to help others in need.  

Thinking about it, there are still a lot to be thankful for and worth celebrating lalo na sa dadating na Pasko.  Kaya naman #TuloyPaRinAngPasko and what better way to celebrate it than to have the star of the Christmas table, ang Virginia Festive Hams and samahan na rin natin ng Virginia Noche Buena treats!

Virginia Food, Inc. helps us all be reminded that no matter what circumstances we may be in, this season is worth celebrating.  For me, the real reason for the season is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.  Even if 2020 wasn't that too good (for how can I feel good if others don't), I am still grateful that we're still alive.

Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko.  Though we cannot celebrate the way we used to like family gatherings and reunions, we can still celebrate safely at home or give gifts to our loved ones.  A good idea would be giving them one of these delectable Virginia Festive Hams:

• Virginia Pear-Shaped Ham
• Virginia Chicken Pear-Shaped Ham
• Virginia Hamon de Bola
• Virginia Black Forest Ham
• Virginia Season's Delight Ham
• Virginia Pineapple Ball Ham
• Virginia Brick Ham
• Virginia Chinese Fortune Ham

Whether you have something to celebrate or just craving for cakes, yet you still don't want to go out, you can always order cakes of all kinds through Cake Rush PH!  Amazing right?  I know almost everything is now sold and available online but to shop for cakes online is something delightfully new to me and I'm sure for you too!
I had a chance to experience this due to my cake cravings one time.  I received Mommy Lucy's Red Wine Moist Dark Chocolate Cake in a can with pearl design (which are all edible by the way) and it instantly melted in my mouth!  Perfect for coffee or tea.  It has a sophisticated taste of the healthier dark chocolate and wine - a combination I love.


But that's just one of the many cake bakers and cake flavors you could shop for on Cake Rush PH.  The newest cake delivery platform in Metro Manila supporting local bakers who offers different cakes and designs for different occasions and budget range.

Here are the reasons why I recommend Cake Rush PH:

1.  Variety of Cake Suppliers - As mentioned Cake Rush Supports local bakers and this includes the following:

• Red Ribbon
• Goldilocks
• Conti's
• Mommy Lucy's
• Bakepertise
• Cheesecakerie
• Fraiche Patisserie
• Homebake Mom
• Indulge Patisserie
• Shamy Cakes
• Sweet Samthings

2.  Availability of flavors - Since we all have different tastes or favorites, Cake Rush PH knows this as well.  Choose from Salted Caramel, Carrot, Chocolate, Mango, Oreo, Red Velvet, and Ube.

3.  Offers different cake types - Although their name suggests only cakes, they also have cakes in cans, brownies, cheesecakes, cupcakes, and also cookies.  So whatever dessert you crave for, they have something to offer on their website.

4.  FREE Delivery within Metro Manila - Yes you read that right!  FREE delivery on ALL orders within Metro Manila.

5.  Same day or Next Day delivery schedule - You may even select the time slot of your cake delivery.  Plus you could also choose your cakes to be delivered for later (up to three days from date of order).

6.  Safe and Convenient Payment Channels - All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted.  You can even pay via bank transfer.  It's safe at the same time really convenient!

7.  Personalize cake with a message - Not on the cake itself though, but you can write your message on the card that Cake Rush Ph will provide.

8.  Available Customer Service Channel - What's great about this is you can contact someone for your inquiries and concerns because they have customer service team.  They are open from Mondays to Saturdays from 9AM - 7PM.

Aren't these enough reasons why you should get your cakes from Cake Rush PH?  I could go on loves!  You could even choose cakes based on your budget!  So there's absolutely a cake for everybody!  So on your next celebration or craving, shop online via https://cakerush.ph!

In my last blog post on things we do these days to ensure our family is kept safe and healthy these days, I invited you to tune in to PLDT Home's #StayHomeSeries Stay Healthy Program over at Mommy Mundo's Facebook Page.  The live talks they produced were relevant and timely because moms these days could get anxious about their children's health.

As a mom, have you asked these questions?

• Is it safe to bring my child out for a check up?

• My child has a slight fever and is coughing, should I bring him to ER?

• Is it safe to self-medicate my sick child?

• How do I know if my child is getting the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals he needs for his age?

It's normal for us moms to worry about our children's health especially this time of pandemic.  That's why I didn't miss the chance to watch the two LIVE talks on Mommy Mundo's Page about this popular topic.


Here were my key takeaways that will surely help many moms too:

• A child's FIRST 1000 DAYS nutrition is most crucial.  This starts from conception until the child reaches two yeas of age.  This is critical because nutritional damage that occurs during this time is irreversible.  So make sure that you eat well so your child will eat well too.
• Immunity is the capability of the body to resist harmful microorganisms from entering it.
• There are two types of NUTRIENTS:
• Essential are nutrients required that can't by synthesized by the body and must be obtained from a dietary source.
• Non-essential are nutrients synthesized by the human body so they need not be obtained directly from food.
• 5210 Every Day! - You heard this right!  This means 5 or more fruits and vegetables; 2 hous or less recreational screen time; 1 hour or more of physical activity; and 0 sugary drinks - moe of water and low fat milk.  Some more inputs, canned and frozen fruits/veggies are just as nutritious as fresh.  As parents we should walk the talk.
• Increase Immunity in 2 ways
• Natural - by eating and drinking healthy, sleeping smart, exercising, and laughing a lot.
• Supplements - by getting it from "food supplements" or what moms usually call multivitamins and minerals.  Important vitamins/minerals: Zink, DHA/AHA during first 1000 days, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and Probiotics.
• Bacterial and Viral Infections are totally different
• Viruses are smaller than bacteria (smaller than our red blood cells)
• Bacteria has a cell wall Viruses has no cell wall  - both have genetic material
• Bacteria can reproduce itself (moisture and heat).  Viruses need a living organism o host cell.
• Antibiotics are made for bacterial infections.  This just simply means one cannot take just any antibiotics without checking if the illness is caused by bacteria or virus.
• Never self-medicate - there's a correct prescription of the medicines to take depending on the progression of the disease.  
• Strictly practice the following: 
• Proper hand washing - at all times.  This is the most effective way of sanitizing vs applying alcohol or alcogel
• Food safety - wash food for cooking, separate raw from cooked food, etc.
• Avoid close contact when you have cough
• Avoid spitting in public
• Seek medical attention immediately when symptoms show.
• Good nutrition, exercise and breastfeeding - all help in staying fit and healthy.
• Vaccination is the most important and effective weapon against bacterial and viral diseases
• Viral:
• Polio
• Measles
• Rotavirus
• Japanese encephalitis
• Mumps 
• Rubella
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Bacterial
• Pneumococcal
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

I didn't pass this chance when I was invited by Maynilad to join a whole day adult field trip to Angat and Ipo Dams and their La Mesa water treatment facilities. I felt like I have to know the reason myself why we have water shortages in Metro Manila.  I know many of you also experience the same.  Our water supply used to get cut off daily beginning 4pm until 5am the following day.
First stop was the Angat Dam, which is being managed by the Angat Hydropower Corporation, where we had a short discussion on Metro Manila’s Raw Water Source.  I learned that 91% of Maynilad’s raw water supply comes from Angat Dam which is located in Norzagaray Bulacan.  The remaining 9% comes from Laguna Lake.  The Angat Dam serves these main purposes: Power Generation, Irrigation, and Domestic Water Supply through the MWSS.  I also learned that the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is the government agency responsible for allocation of water supply for consumption and irrigation.  The normal allocation for MWSS is 48 cubic meters per second (cms) and is shared among residents of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan.


Visting Angat Dam and Ipo Dam
We visited Angat Dam following the discussion to see for ourselves the water level as reported in the news.  It’s TRUE, it’s lower than ideal.  I saw that it’s still below expected levels to meet demands of Metro Manila. This is due to scarce rainfall last year, thus NWRB reduced the raw water allocation to 42 cms, from 48cms, for the water concessionaires in Metro Manila, including Maynilad. This is the reason why we experienced daily water service interruptions.  Maynilad was forced to rotate the limited supply allocated by NWRB so that all of its customers will have water, even for just a few hours, daily.
The reduced raw water allocation which was implemented by NWRB is a temporary solution to ensure that there will still be enough water by the time the summer months are here! Basically, they’re trying to preserve the remaining water in the dam until the rains come to replenish it.
We also went to Ipo Dam, which is where the raw water flows downward from Angat Dam and eventually to the Novaliches Portal where the water is divided between Maynilad (West Zone concession) and Manila Water (East Zone concession). 

Ipo Dam played a big role in augmenting the supply shortfall from Angat, allowing Maynilad to suspend the daily water interruptions sometime in August and September 2019.  Although much smaller than Angat Dam and not intended for water storage, the Ipo Dam also receives runoffs from the watersheds. So as long as it is kept full, it can help augment the reduced allocation from Angat Dam.
La Mesa Water Treatment Plant
Maynilad’s water treatment facilities follow very strict standards and continue to operate optimally and efficiently to ensure that we are supplied with clean water every single day.  I appreciated this all the more when we visited the La Mesa Water Treatment Plant 2.
It was discussed to us that the raw water from Angat Dam goes through a multi-stage treatment process that includes the following:

• Screening – water passes through screens to remove foreign objects (leaves, grass for example)
• Rapid Mixing – Chemicals such as chlorine are added to further remove other tiny particles/solids.
• Flocculation – Raw water is stirred so the small clusters of suspended solids will collide and form into large particles called “flocs”
• Sedimentation – Flocs when they get heavier settle at the bottom of the basin.
• Filtration- Water from sedimentation basins is filtered through dual-media filters that trap the flocs as water flows down through them.
• Post Treatment – Chlorine and lime may be added to disinfect water making it safe for consumers and also correcting the pH or acidity levels of the water.

Daily Water Service Interruptions
To look at the brighter side of it, the water service interruptions taught me these things:

• Appreciation of water, thus making efforts to conserve it. 
• Habit-forming for us in the household – working on a schedule or routine teaches discipline.  Kids ensure their used lunch kits are washed before the water supply gets cut off.  People in the household ensure they do their major water-dependent activities on time. 
• Thoughtful gestures – family members now are mindful in making sure bins or pails are always filled so there may be water for others not yet at home when water supply is already cut.  

True it may be not convenient not to have water at certain hours of the day, but limiting usage if it’s for the greater good is better for me – than to totally lose it.  Summer is coming which means water demand and consumption will be greater.


As per Maynilad, as long as the raw water allocation from Angat Dam is below normal, daily service interruptions will be in effect.  In fact, just recently, the NWRB increased allocation to 46 cms—still less than the normal 48 cms, but higher than the previous 42 cms. Maynilad was consequently been able to lift the daily supply interruptions, or isolate it to off-peak hours for some areas. This will be the case until end of March, then the water allocation for succeeding months might be reduced again, depending on how fast the water level in Angat Dam goes down.

Thankfully, Maynilad is doing something to help alleviate the impact of another possible reduced raw water supply allocation:

• Optimizing its Putatan Water Treatment Plant 1 and Commissioning Plant 2, which both get raw water from Laguna Lake
• Reactivating deep wells.
• Sustaining reduction of water losses.
• Purchasing of modular treatment plants that will tap rivers in Cavite.
• Deploying mobile water tankers and stationary water tanks.
• Conducting cloud-seeding operations.

Maynilad also shared that MWSS is currently working on the development of an alternative raw water source to Angat Dam. This is the long-term solution to our water situation.  While this is not yet materializing, as consumers, we are encouraged to use water responsibly.  Simple measures in responsible usage go a long way.
Thank you so much Maynilad for inviting us to visit your water treatment facilities, for bringing us to Angat and Ipo Dams, for patiently educating us about the process of bringing water to our households from its raw sources, and for the solutions you come up in ensuring we will have water to drink, bathe with, and wash and clean things.  The enriching trip definitely made me appreciate water and sparked me to become a lot more mindful than I already am in using and conserving it.  As a responsible mom and citizen, I really will do my part in using water responsibly.

When I hear Heinz, I remember ketchup.  Ikaw din for sure!  But did you know that they've have been producing oriental sauces since 2002?  We didn't know about it until now!  It's being served all over America and Asia and now it's made available here in the Philippines!

It's about time that Filipinos taste the Asian Sauces from one of the global leaders in condiments, Heinz.  We all love food especially Asian or fusion cuisine at home.  From simple meals to
gourmet dishes, Heinz Asian Sauces provide enhanced taste and premium flavours to your cooking.
Heinz has been serving up quality, taste, convenience and innovation like no other food company on
Earth. It has to be Heinz.

Superb Cath Inc., the company behind trusted seafood brand Seaking celebrated its 20th anniversary at Makati Shangri-la Hotel last November 8, 2019.  I'm honored to be invited and witness the Uy siblings, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Nancy, and Shirley, tell their brand story which started two decades ago.  It was definitely a touching story of love for family and helping each other no matter what the circumstance could be.
Seaking had a humble beginning when the siblings sold bangus (milkfish) from their father's fishpond.  They would debone the fish themselves and sell them to supermarkets on their own.  With a small capital, they built Seaking from ground up.  Now, Seaking has become an industry leader and a household name.

Seaking is the first wild salmon retailer in the Philippines.  Seaking products can be found in more than 1,500 supermarkets, restaurants, and hotel chains in the Philippines. Their products are also exported to countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and USA among others. From a home-based operation back in 1999, Seaking has grown to encompass a 20,000sqm processing plant which will be fully operational in January 2020.  “As the great Walt Disney said, all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. We intend to continue delivering quality products and through our passion we have not only captured the hearts of the Filipinos but their trust and confidence in the Seaking brand,” Jennifer Uy Ampon shares.


The first Seaking poduct I've ever tried was, of course, the milkfish, and then our favorite Cream Dory.  Now, they have a number of other products such as Squid, Bottled Bangus, and their newest offering which I've also tried a few months ago, their Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon line.  What started as a frozen milkfish business has developed into a full-blown seafood line.

The Seaking Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon Line
The healthiest type of salmon came all the way from Alaska, they are wild and not farmed.  The difference is wild salmon is healthier because it's born in rivers and then the ocean as adults.  They feed with the healthiest seafood as well, making it rich in Omega 3 which helps imporve heart health, enhance the immune system, and even reduce the rist of diabetes.  Currently, it offers four (4 cuts of Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon: Chunks, Belly, Steak, and Slab.

During the event, we were served different dishes using Seaking's Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon.  Here they were:

In order to ensure the highest product standards, Seaking has continuously adhered to the
following principles:

1. Fresh frozen seafood
2. Strict production process
3. International food standard approved operation
4. Fish is carefully selected, deboned, marinated/smoked, packed/labeled, and vacuum sealed. They follow a first in, first out policy so the fish is always fresh.

All the attendees had both fun and touching moments during the celebration of Seaking's company anniversary.  Who wouldn't get excited with all the prizes that were given away!  Imagine, cash, new top of the line mobile phones, and many more were taken home by very lucky attendees.  Sadly, I wasn't one of the luckier ones.  But to be there is already a huge blessing!  Why?  I took home Seaking products which my family and I love so much!  Thank you so much Seaking for inviting me and congratulations on your 20th anniversary.  A good company with a good heart like yours will surely last!

For more information about Seaking, check their website: https://www.seaking.com.ph/ and follow them also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaking.ph/ .

Carrying my beabi Flowers Are A Joy Tote Bag MBaldemor x beabi Floral Symphony Collection

My first ever beabi item was a bag organizer which I loved and abused.  I used to bring big bags when I was still working.  I frequently change bags and beabi helped me a lot in organizing my stuff and making sure none's forgotten even when I transfer them from one to another.  I even wrote about it HERE (How beabi Organized My Messy Bag) back in 2012!  That's how long I've been a beabi user! 

Fast forward to today, beabi is now celebrating its 10th year with a groundbreaking product that's truly a celebration of patronizing local - local brand that beabi truly is, and its collaboration with world-renowned Filipino artist, Manuel Baldemor.  Together, they launched MBaldermor x beabi Floral Symphony Collection.

beabi's very own Winnie Go and Willin Chan with world-renowned artist Manuel Baldemor

I'm grateful to have witnessed the unveiling of this masterpiece last November 4 at the Ronac Art Center.  I even got to talk and had my photo with the artist himself, Manuel Baldemor.

Meeting the artist himself was surreal!  Thank you beabi for this opportunity!

Manuel Baldemor is best known for his geometric paintings, but beabi showcased another side of the artist with his floral paintings which have rarely been publicized and only been exhibited abroad.  Baldemor pays tribute to flowers as a "symbol of love and peace." According to him, flowers are an indispensable element of the Filipino landscape.

Manuel Baldermor's rarely publicized floral paintings used on the beabi Floral Symphony Collection

 “A simple flower…has a certain peace and tranquility you can take into yourself,” Baldemor said. “(They) are universal, and a symbol of love and peace. They speak directly to our hearts and have their own secret and unspoken language of diplomacy.” 

The collection consists of printed bags and matching pouches.  There are three bag designs and styles to choose from: Flowers Are A Joy Forever, Flowers Speak From The Heart, and Amazing Grace.   Each bag is unique, stylish, functional, chic, versatile, and definitely a standout! 

The MBaldemor x beabi Floral Symphony Collection

I got the Flowers Are A Joy Forever because it fits my mommy personality very well.  It has a zipper closure that secures your items inside even when your bag falls from the chair you're sitting on because your active toddler imagined it to be another monster to defeat. 

Flowers Are A Joy Forever tote, fits my mom personality perfectly

It also has a cross-body strap to keep your hands free from carrying it so you could carry your grocery bags or your toddler.  It has a pretty pouch inside where you could keep your receipts or make up for retouch or keys to keep the clutter in your bag in one pretty place.  The short handle is very chic when you're on your me-time and able to fashionably carry it with your arm (don't forget your big sunglasses with it!)

These limited-edition bags will retail for P2,495 each and is available at all beabi stores nationwide as well as online at https://beabi.com.ph/ until stocks last.


beabi is a local brand, providing innovative, multi-functional travel and storage accessories for the modern Filipino traveler. What started out as a one-stop shop for travel bottles, bag organizers, and cosmetic kits has now expanded its product line-up to include fashion bags ranging from statement totes to bags personalized with one's name or initials.   

Halloween Trick or Treat is just around the corner!  I am fully aware of it that's why, I've come up with this list of events for your kids as early as this month (yes, it's still September)!   It's an annual listing I come up with which my blog readers and social friends (like on Facebook Page and Instagram) anticipate excitedly.

I'm sure if you're a parent like me, you're already preparing what costume to dress your kids up or already planning which venue will they go trick or treating!  So here it is moms and dads!


BELLVUE HOTEL MANILA
Haunted Mansion 2019
WHEN: October 26, 2019
TIME: 2PM - 5PM
WHERE: Grand Ballroom
FEE: PHP 1,200 NET
For more information, like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebellevuemanila/  For inquiries, please call Café d' Asie at (02) 771 8181.  You may also purchase tickets at Early Bird price at events.thebellevue.com
#BellevueManila #BellebooHauntedMansion

ACTIVE FUN
Spooktacular Halloween Costume Party
WHEN: October 24, 2019 (Powerplant Mall and Shoppesville Greenhills | October 25, 2019 (BGC)
TIME: Starts at 3:00 PM
FEE: Php 700 (Regular price) Php650 (ActiveKids Club Member) | Php 250 adult companion
Snacks are included in the ticket.
WHAT: Trick or Treat,Parlor Games, Mascot Dance, Art Activity, Loot Bag, Snacks, Free Play, Raffle and so much more! Come in costume and you might be their: Spookiest, Cutest, Prince & Princess, Super Kid or Terrific Tandem.  This is open to 1 - 12 years old.

Fore more information like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/activefunofficial or register to this event over HERE.  You may also call them directly over here: ActiveFun Bonifacio Global City: 869.9509/869.0800, ActiveFun Power Plant Rockwell: 809.1990, and ActiveFun Shoppesville Greenhills: 638.7755.

Hurry, limited slots only!

CRIMSON HOTEL
WHEN: October 31, 2019
TIME: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
FEE: PHP 1,150 net (2yo and above) below 2 come in for free.
WHAT: Heavy Snack Buffet with Free-Flowing Iced Tea, Interactive Show in the Ballroom, Costume Contest, Trick or Treat, Photo Booth, Fun Games and Activities, Exciting Prizes and Giveaways

For more inquiries or to register to this event, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/907802669598804.  You may also call +632 863 2222* or email alabang.socials1@crimsonhotel.com.
F1 HOTEL MANILA
WHEN: Oct. 26, 2019
TIME: 10 AM - 2 PM
WHERE: Infinity Ballroom
WHAT: Buffet Lunch, Magic Show, Face Paint, Balloon Twisting, Bubble Show, Photo Booth, Access to Trick or Treat Stations, Loot Bag, plus other exciting games and activities for more details or you may visit their Facebook page for more information:  https://www.facebook.com/f1hotelmanila/

MIDAS HOTEL & CASINO
Encantasia: Halloween Kids Party
WHEN: October 27, 2019, Sunday
TIME: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Midas Tent
FEE: Php 550nett/person plus guardian
WHAT: Acrobat Show, Magician, Games, Photo Booth, Light Snacks (for kids only), Loot Bags
Best in Engkantada costume wins a free lunch or dinner buffet at Midas Cafe!  PLUS!  A special discount of Php1000 nett for adults and Php800 nett for kids for buffet lunch or dinner awaits guests before or after the party (regular rate of Php2,088).

For more information and update or to register, go to their Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1674352339366749/.  For ticket reservations call  902.0100 local 8154, 8199, 8198 or email restaurants@midashotelandcasino.com.  You may also visit www.midashotelandcasino.com
DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES
Shake, Rattle, and Roll Halloween Event
WHEN: October 27, 2019
FEE: Php1,000 nett/person inclusive of a take-home snack box
WHAT: Activities: Trick or Treat around the hotel, Photo booth, Face painting, Musical performances, Food and Beverage stations, Glitter Tattoo, and Arts and Crafts.
They also have a raffle promo where you get a chance to win exciting prizes, including the Grand Raffle Prize of a Roundtrip Airline Tickets for 2 to Singapore!  Kids in the spookiest and most original costumes get a chance to win a prize.
You may purchase tickets online via onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com.

For more information and updates, go to their Facebook Page and event post: https://www.facebook.com/events/703436900172187/ and https://www.facebook.com/diamondhotelph/  Lastly, you may also call them at 528-3000.
SM AURA PREMIER
Halloween in Streetsville
WHEN: October 26, 2019, Saturday
TIME:11 AM - 5 PM
WHERE: Level 3, Atrium
FEE: Just present single receipt amounting to Php1,500 (from any establishments except bills payment and supermarket) dated October 1 - 26, 2019.  This will one pass for 1 kid and 1 adult.  Passes may be redeemed at the Mall Concierge (Oct. 19, 20, 25, 26) from 1 - 8PM
WHAT: Halloween Arts & Crafts, Game Booths, Candy Pit, Pop Musical Performance, and onstage games.  On October 26 and 31, 11Am - 3PM, Trick or Treating in partner establishments await your kids.

For more information, visit their website HERE or follow them on Facebook.